Meet John

John previously served as Commercial Counsel at Publicis Groupe, and AI counsel at Rakuten. His experience centers around negotiating sophisticated SaaS, ad tech, and data privacy agreements for global brands, retailers, and Fortune 500 companies. He also held prior legal roles in public service, where he drafted laws, and litigated bench and jury trials.

John’s extensive experience across the public and private sectors gives him a rare, well-rounded perspective. He’s adept at translating legal complexity into business clarity, helping clients innovate with confidence while minimizing risk.

Focus

• Technology Transactions & Commercial Contracts
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning Compliance
• Data Privacy, Cybersecurity & Global Data Transfers (GDPR, CCPA, CPA, CPRA)
• SaaS & Platform Licensing
• Advertising Technology & Digital Media
• Data Licensing, IP & Monetization
• DPAs, MSAs, SOWs, Vendor & Partnership Agreements

Approach 

John’s philosophy is simple: legal strategy should accelerate innovation, not slow it down. He combines business acumen with a deep understanding of technology, data, and AI regulation to help clients stay compliant, competitive, and creative. Whether advising on SaaS growth, AI policy, or global data practices.

Background

Previously to joining Gouchev Law, John was Commercial Counsel at Publicis Groupe, and AI counsel at Rakuten. While in law school, John won First Place in the Silicon Flatirons Tech Policy Challenge. He also participated in the VIS International Arbitration Competition in Vienna and served as Treasurer of OUTlaw.

John is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) through the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).

Fun Fact

When he’s not advising clients, John enjoys snowboarding, boxing, and exploring new cultures, having studied abroad in Italy, France, and South Korea. He’s also a pianist, yogi, and proud Australian Shepherd enthusiast.