John H. Oberle is a partner in Ice Miller's Public Affairs Group and Government Law Group in Ohio. He is chair of the Highly Regulated Industries Group and leads a core group of attorneys on matters related to cannabis, gaming, sports betting and liquor law. John has more than 28 years of experience as a regulatory attorney, public sector advocate and lobbyist to ensure clients' interests are well represented regionally before state governmental agencies, city halls and the Ohio statehouse. He has built a reputation of being a strong and effective advocate for his clients. He is also a member of the Public Affairs and Gaming Group and Energy and Utilities Group.
John's experience includes work as: a lobbyist and aide to Gov. George V. Voinovich; chief of Legislative Affairs for the Ohio’s chief regulatory department (Ohio Department of Commerce); Trustee for Sharon Township since 2006; principal of Ice Miller Whiteboard LLC; and attorney at Schottenstein Zox & Dunn Co.,LPA, now Ice Miller, for 16 years. This experience not only includes an understanding of the law, but includes how government and regulatory agencies develop policies that impact business. He zealously pursues client’s objectives in seeking a favorable result.
John has a proven and successful track record. His experience includes extensive work in the field of business regulation regarding gaming law, economic development, insurance and health care, utility, government procurement, liquor compliance and legislative drafting including helping:
- Drafting two constitutional amendments and work on implementing legislation/regulations on casino/video lottery terminal gaming
- Working on utility issues before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
- Writing laws for several regulated industries such as auctioneers, liquor, racing, solid waste, and other key regulated industries
- Negotiating and implementing some of the largest economic development projects in Ohio for banking operations and for aeronautical companies
- Drafting request for proposals (RFPs) and successfully protesting RFPs with state agencies
- Obtaining high-value procurement contracts which includes experience in privatizing governmental operations such as food service
In 1993, John received his Bachelor of Arts from Ohio Wesleyan University where he was vice president and chief justice of Interfraternity Counsel. He received his juris doctor from Capital University Law School in 2000,
cum laude, while working full-time for the state of Ohio.