John D.A. Lavanga joined Stoll Keenon Ogden in 2025 as an Associate within the Utility and Energy practice group.  Prior to entering law, John taught on-site lessons for researchers, executives, and management at some of Japan’s leading heavy industry firms in the Osaka-Kyoto-Kobe region of Japan.  John credits his students for the gaman (patience and perserverance) with which he approaches his legal work.

John has a passion for energy and utility law, and a belief that Kentucky can prepare for its bright future through the pragmatic deployment of dispatchable and clean energy, transmission upgrades, and regulations that facilitate smarter, more resilient utility systems.  As Kentucky rapidly grows as both an economic center and a manufacturing hub, John is aware that utility operators will face new challenges.  However, John believes that by leveraging emerging technologies to create more efficient, effective and responsive services, he can position his clients for near-term resilience and long-term success.

In his commercial litigation work, John has assisted clients with cases involving breach of contract, eminent domain, zoning reforms, and the Fair Housing Act. Early in 2025, his briefing before the Eastern District of Kentucky helped a client obtain full dismissal with prejudice of a multi-million-dollar breach of contract suit.

John considers his diverse experience as a pro-bono attorney to be the bedrock of his success.  His pro-bono achievements include negotiating a 2-month grace period for a couple and their newborn grandchild to find new housing; serving as primary drafter of an administrative appeal on behalf of TARC driver who lost limbs in a work accident; and providing counsel and guidance to LGBTQ Kentuckians as they navigate legal identification issues.