John DeRose is an experienced litigator who handles complex civil matters in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. An accomplished trial lawyer, he is never afraid to take a case to trial before judge or jury when circumstances call for it. He prepares every case for trial, while constantly evaluating the most efficient, cost-effective way to yield favorable results for clients. His practice includes complex commercial transportation, trucking, premises liability, product liability, catastrophic injury, and employment matters. He also litigates claims under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) brought by injured railroad workers.
Before founding Cohen Vaughan, John was a partner at an international Am Law 200 firm. John regularly defends Fortune 500 Companies, insurance carriers, transportation companies, railroads, and small businesses in multiple jurisdictions across the United States. He utilizes a collaborative approach with clients, while also being aggressive and proactive in the handling of matters.
John graduated law school in 2012 from Rutgers, in Camden, New Jersey. During law school, John was a teaching assistant for the trial advocacy program, as well as a member of Rutgers’ Competitive Trial Team. He also dedicated considerable time to pro bono activities. Throughout law school, he was involved in the Federal Prisoner Reentry Program, Rutgers’ Civil Practice Pro Bono Clinic, and the Street Law Program. As a member of the Street Law Program, John taught Constitutional Law at Camden High School in Camden, New Jersey. This experience ignited his passion for teaching and mentoring. At the end of his tenure at Rutgers, he was presented with the Pro Bono Publico Award for outstanding contributions to the Pro Bono Program.
Prior to law school, John attended Stockton University and obtained a B.A. in Business Studies. While at Stockton, John served as the President of Student Activities and was recognized for his contributions with a student leadership award in 2006, which is presented to one student, annually.
John serves the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas as a certified civil arbitrator, and a Judge Tempore, assisting the Court in resolving complex civil matters prior to trial. John has been invited to present lectures and CLE’s on myriad topics from juror psychology to freedom of speech. He also regularly volunteers to teach Rutgers’ Competitive Trial Team.
In his spare time, John coaches his children in baseball and softball. He also serves his town as a member of the Softball Advisory Board. A lifelong baseball nerd, John is an active member of The Society for American Baseball Research (SABR).
Prior to pursuing the practice of law, John worked as a retail clerk, a waiter, a casino games dealer, a car wash attendant, and an accountant. This diverse background has allowed him to relate to people from all different walks of life and has contributed to his success as a trial lawyer and in client management.
Practices
Admissions
- Pennsylvania
- New Jersey
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- United States District Court for the District of New Jersey
Education
- Rutgers University School of Law, J.D., 2012
- Stockton University, B.A., 2007
Honors & Recognition
- Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2018-2021)
Professional & Civic
- Insurance Society of Philadelphia
- The National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel (NARTC)
Publications
- Successfully Defending Limited Tort Automobile Accident Cases, Author, Pennsylvania Bar Institute Manual (Fall 2016)
Presentations
- Diversity, Inclusion, and Freedom of Speech, Panelist, Stockton University Alumni Conference (Spring 2021)
- General Liability Issues and Defenses in a Retail Setting, Presentation, Gallagher Bassett and Michaels Arts and Crafts Store Annual Conference (Winter 2019)
- Mastering the Rules of Evidence, Presentation, Rutgers University School of Law (Fall 2019)
- Importance of Proper Trial Objections, Presentation, Rutgers University School of Law (Fall 2018)
- Jury Psychology and Selection for Civil Cases, Presentation, New Jersey Insurance Defense Conference (Fall 2016)
