John L. McCraw, Jr.’s distinguished legal career spans over 60 years, almost all of which have been spent in McKinney, Texas.

John McCraw grew up in Farmersville, Texas. After graduating from Texas Christian University, serving in the United States Army, and completing his studies at Southern Methodist University Law School, he returned to his roots in Collin County to begin his legal career. He worked in private practice in McKinney for over 13 years before taking his seat on the district court bench.

During his time in private practice, Governor Dolph Briscoe appointed him as the lawyer member of the Texas Judicial Council, and he ultimately spent 17 years serving the Council.

In 1977, Governor Briscoe appointed him judge of the 219th District Court, and he was later reappointed to that post by Governor Bill Clements. He served the 219th for more than eight years when, in 1986, Governor Mark White appointed him justice of the 5th Court of Appeals in Dallas. He later retired as a senior justice and returned to the practice of law in McKinney.

After retiring from the bench, John McCraw joined McCraw Gantt as Of Counsel and began offering his services as a mediator and arbitrator.