Juan Jose (“John”) Perez, a Columbus, Ohio attorney, is an entrepreneur and problem-solver. He works to make things happen whether in his business, his clients’ businesses, his community endeavors, his family life or the lives of others. John was born in Texas, and worked as a migrant worker traveling with his family throughout the northwestern states.

John began his legal career as a law clerk for the Honorable Nicholas J. Walinski, District Judge for the US District Court in Toledo. He then joined a major law firm in Columbus, first as associate and then partner. Later, he served as general counsel and vice president of administration for a publicly traded company. In 1997, he fulfilled a goal he set early in life and opened up his own law office. In 1999, the firm name was changed to Perez & Morris LLC. Perez & Morris is a Hispanic-owned business law firm representing clients throughout Ohio and the United States.

In 2007, John and eight other business colleagues founded Columbus First Bank to serve the needs of local businesses. John presently services on the Board of Directors of Columbus First.

After graduating from Bowsher High in Toledo, John attended Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee where he received his BA in Psychology. While working full-time to support his wife and children, John attend law school and in 1985 he received his Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law.

He currently serves as Trustee on the Board of the Mount Carmel Health System (which is comprised of four hospitals and six clinics), and on the University of Toledo Board of Trustees. He is the Past Chair of the Governance Board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

In 2009, John was featured on the cover of the inaugural edition of “Who’s Who in Latino Columbus.” In 2011, John and Joan, his wife, received the Capital Valentine Award from the Ohio Cancer Research Associates.