About
John A. Messina Jr.
Attorney · Broker · Developer
John A. Messina Jr. is the founding partner of Messina & Hankin LLP, where he represents business entities, government agencies, and individuals in complex civil litigation and sophisticated real estate transactions throughout California.
With over 40 years of experience, Mr. Messina brings a rare convergence of disciplines to every matter — practicing simultaneously as a licensed attorney, real estate broker, and active developer. This depth of firsthand knowledge enables him to provide counsel that is both legally precise and commercially grounded.
Mr. Messina has served as Associate Judge at the Intertribal Court of Southern California since 2009, and holds the rank of Reserve Captain in the Investigative Reserve Unit of the Orange County Sheriff's Department, a position he has held since 2001. He is also the first General Counsel to the National Latino Police Officers Association, a role he held from 1994 to 2004.
He is the author of 'California Commercial Lease Option Purchase Agreements Line by Line,' published in 2009, and has authored numerous articles and research reports on real estate law, corporate governance, and public policy.
Credentials & Admissions
Bar Admissions
- State of California, 1994
- Federal Bar Association, 2013
Education
- J.D., Southwestern Law School, 1993
- B.A. with Honors, Business Management, University of Redlands, 1982
- Manufacturing Technology, St. Don Bosco Technical Institute
- Tribal Court Judges Course, National Judicial College, 2015
Judicial & Public Service
- Associate Judge, Intertribal Court of Southern California, since 2009
- Reserve Captain, Investigative Reserve Unit, Orange County Sheriff's Department, since 2001
- President, Orange County Reserve Peace Officers Association, since 2009
- First General Counsel, National Latino Police Officers Association, 1994–2004
Professional Affiliations
- Founding Partner, Messina & Hankin LLP
- Master of the Bench, Southwest Inn, American Inns of Court, since 2013
- Member, Federal Bar Association (private sector), since 2013
- Board of Directors, Coastal Family Therapy, since 2004
- Board of Directors, Sheriff's Youth Foundation of Los Angeles County, since 1994
Recognition & Awards
AV Preeminent® Rating
Martindale-Hubbell — highest peer review rating attainable
Avvo Rating 10.0 — Top Rated
Avvo Clients' Choice Award, 2013
Top Lawyers in California
The Legal Network, 2015
Southern California Top-Rated Lawyers
Los Angeles Times, multiple years from 2012
Inland Empire Top Lawyer
Inland Empire Magazine, since 2013
Top Lawyers in San Diego
San Diego Magazine, since 2013
Marquis Who's Who
Recognized for professional excellence in law
Expert Network Distinguished Lawyer
Expert Network
Selected Publications
2009
California Commercial Lease Option Purchase Agreements Line by Line
A Detailed Look at California Commercial Lease Option Purchase Agreements and How to Change Them to Meet Your Needs
2002
Proposed Creation of an Orange County Real Estate Fraud Prosecution Unit
Research report
2000
Obligations and Responsibilities of Officers and Directors of Nonprofit Organizations
Article
1996
Some Tax Consequences for Homeowners Seeking Financial Relief
The Real Estate Professional
1993
Collection of Fines Imposed in Felony Cases by Judges of the Los Angeles Superior Court
Article