John Griffith grew up in rural New Johnsonville, Tennessee, and has practiced personal injury law in Middle Tennessee for twenty-five years. He has lived in Franklin for twenty-three of them. John founded GriffithLaw in Franklin in 2016, and the firm has grown dramatically into one of the area’s largest personal injury law firms. He has received numerous awards and record-setting jury verdicts for the people he represents. However, some of his proudest accomplishments have taken place out on the field or on the mat, but always alongside family.
What do you do for fun when you’re not being a lawyer?
Coaching football, playing guitar, and competing in Brazilian jiu jitsu. I played football at Waverly Central High School and
at Vanderbilt – I was a strong safety there. I believe football teaches kids about life. It teaches teamwork, mental toughness and overcoming adversity. Being able to coach my son has been one of the greatest joys in life. I’ve coached him since he was seven years old when he played for the Franklin Cowboys. In my second career, I’d love to be a high school offensive coordinator. I also love making music with my wife. She sings at our church and I play guitar alongside her. Such a true joy for me! She is such a great mom and wife. I definitely married up- I know it and am thankful every day that God gave me her.
How did you discover jiu-jitsu?
A little over two years ago, my son was a senior in high school, and he asked if I’d be interested in doing martial arts with him. After training for three months, I was fanatically hooked. I’ve just finished my third competition. I’ve earned two silver medals and a bronze. I really want a gold medal, but if I don’t, it’s okay -- I’m not giving up my day job.
What attributes have you developed from sports that you carry over into your work?
I am (either blessed or cursed to be) extremely competitive. I just can’t stand to lose, and I’m not going to let anybody out-prepare, out-work or out-think me. It’s a consistent theme in my life. Game days, trial days, jiu jitsu tournament days – I’m up at 4:30, and my heart is pumping, ready to roll.
GriffithInjuryLaw.com
