Because judges need experience, knowledge and an understanding of BOTH sides of the law…
Overview
John J. VanderToll has almost 20 years of experience since his graduation from the University of Louisville School of Law in 1988. For the last 7 years John VanderToll has been in private practice in Louisville, Kentucky. A unique combination of having prior experience as both a public defender, and a prosecuting attorney, has enabled him to provide the experience in the courtroom for his clients throughout Jefferson County and surrounding areas.
John J. VanderToll looks to build on his dedication to the justice system and the community by serving as a Jefferson County District Judge.
Experience in Law Practice
After graduating from the University of Louisville School of Law, VanderToll, spent a year working at the Louisville-Jefferson County Public Defender’s office. After marrying in 1990 and moving to Shelby County, VanderToll became Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, for Shelby, Anderson and Spencer counties in Kentucky in which he prosecuted felony cases ranging from drug offenses to murder.
Looking for a new challenge, VanderToll returned to school to receive his Master degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Kentucky in 1995. Additionally, VanderToll completed his Masters in Health Law from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois in 1996. In May of 1996, VanderToll began work for Humana Inc., in Louisville, Kentucky.
In 1998, VanderToll moved his family to Fort Smith, Arkansas where he took the position of Senior Government Attorney for Beverly Enterprises, Inc., one the nation’s largest nursing home companies at the time. There he provided legal counsel to the health services company.
After almost three years in Arkansas, VanderToll returned “home” to Louisville and opened his own legal practice in 2001. VanderToll has spent the last seven years working in private practice to assist Louisville-area residents with cases involving, personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense and family law.
Childhood
Born in Rochester, Minnesota, John J. VanderToll was raised in Munster, Indiana, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. An avid sports fan, VanderToll was active in various school activities and played varsity basketball at Munster High School from where he graduated in 1979. In 1980, his parents, Donald and Jeanette, moved the family back to his father’s hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.
Education
VanderToll attended Hope College, a distinguished liberal arts, undergraduate college located in Holland, Michigan. Known for outstanding pre-professional training, it was at Hope that VanderToll developed an interest in law and serving the community. VanderToll graduated from Hope College in 1983, earning his B.A. degree in Political Science. He continued his studies at the University of Louisville’s School of Law where he received his J.D. degree in 1988. VanderToll was accepted into the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Kentucky, and earned a Masters degree in Healthcare Administration from there in 1995. VanderToll continued his education by earning a Masters degree in Health Law from DePaul’s College of Law in Chicago in 1996. While at DePaul, he also served on the editorial board of the Journal of Health and Hospital Law.
Family
John VanderToll and his wife, Lani were married in 1990. Lani is Manager of Marketing and Communications for Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare, Inc., and is actively involved in many community organizations including the Fund for the Arts Campaign and Women 4 Women. An avid tennis player, Lani serves on the board for the Tennis Association of Louisville, Kentucky. John and Lani are the proud parents of three sons, Jack (16), Hunt (14) and Henry Peter (9), all of whom attend Christian Academy of Louisville. The VanderTolls are members of Southeast Christian Church.
Community
John has been active in various community events over the years. After returning to Louisville from college, he dedicated himself to play an active positive role in the community. John’s three sons keep him very busy involved in their school and extracurricular activities. When he’s not coaching one of his son’s athletic teams, John can be found playing basketball at Southeast Christian Church. He is a member of the Kentucky Bar Association.
