John Friend

About John

March 2025 brought a profound loss to our firm and community. The passing of Attorney John Friend left a space that cannot be filled - in our office, throughout the legal world, and in the lives of all who knew and loved him. John wasn’t just a colleague or former classmate - he was family. A brother, a mentor, and one of the most remarkable legal minds we’ve had the privilege to know. John passed away on March 21, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky, following a sudden and aggressive battle with Burkitt’s lymphoma. He was only 41. Born in Norton, Virginia, and raised in Pikeville, Kentucky, John was fiercely proud of his Appalachian heritage. He often called himself a “hillbilly,” but he redefined the term with his unique blend of authenticity, brilliance, compassion, and humor. Upon joining Alex R. White, PLLC in 2022, John quickly became an irreplaceable presence. We affectionately called him our “answers man” - and for good reason. When John gave you an answer, you could trust it implicitly. His legal writing was unmatched, and his ability to unravel complex legal puzzles was nothing short of extraordinary. But beyond his intellect, he elevated everyone around him - making us not just better lawyers, but better people. John’s impact extended far beyond the office. He was passionate about mentoring and frequently returned to the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law to speak, coach, and inspire future attorneys. He championed mental health in the legal field, especially in the wake of COVID-19, often offering support quietly and without seeking praise. One of John’s most extraordinary qualities was his ability to fiercely disagree with someone and still care for them deeply. He thrived on meaningful conversation, welcomed challenge, and never stopped learning. And his humor - sharp, quirky, and often perfectly timed - brought light to even the most stressful days. He had a gift for lifting spirits just by walking into a room. John lived with uncommon empathy. Whether it was a struggling client, a friend in crisis, or a stray animal in need of a home, John gave freely of his time, his intellect, and his heart. He didn’t just care - he acted. In what would be his final text to me, he wrote: “I love you too bro.” That simple phrase captures everything he was - sincere, loving, and present. We feel his absence deeply, but we carry his spirit forward. To remember John, we invite you to do what he did best: defend the overlooked, invest in others, and never miss an opportunity to bring laughter into someone’s day. John - thank you. We love you, and we will carry your legacy with us always.

Education

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