About John Devendorf, Esq.
John Devendorf is a graduate of UCLA and holds a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law, where he was a Distinguished Scholar, recipient of the ALI-ABA Scholarship and Leadership Award, and a participant in the Immigrant Workers’ Rights Clinic and special delegation to Haiti.
A licensed attorney for more than a decade, John transitioned to a career as a legal content writer and editor after an externship with the IRS, a judicial clerkship, and practicing at a civil litigation firm in Princeton, New Jersey. John now lives in Portland, Oregon, where he enjoys writing, international travel, and escape rooms.
Articles written by John Devendorf, Esq.
Transgender Athlete Bans: State Laws and SCOTUS Ruling
On June 30, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in the consolidated cases West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox. The Court held that schools may limit women's and girls' sports teams to biological females without violating Title IX or the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The decision means that West Virginia and Idaho, along with the 25 other states with similar bans on transgender athletes, may continue to enforce those laws. This decision has national …
Legal Name Change: A State-By-State Guide to Changing Your Name
In most states, adults cannot simply start using a new name and expect government agencies to recognize it. A legal name change often involves a petition and court order, especially if you want government agencies — such as the DMV, the Social Security Administration, or the U.S. State Department — to update your records. However, many states also recognize a common law name change based on consistent use, provided it is not for a fraudulent purpose. Whether you're changing your name for …
Political Contribution Limits: How Much Can I Give to Campaigns in My State?
Campaign contribution limits regulate who can give money to political campaigns and how much they can donate, while other campaign finance rules regulate how campaign funds may be used. Federal elections follow one set of contribution caps, but state elections often follow entirely different rules. In some states, individuals can contribute only a few hundred dollars to a candidate. In others, there may be no contribution limits at all. For legal guidance involving campaign finance compliance, …
Is It Street Legal? Driving Golf Carts, ATVs, and LSVs on Public Roads
The legality of driving non-traditional vehicles like golf carts, ATVs, or LSVs on public roads depends entirely on federal, state, and local laws, as well as the specific type of vehicle you intend to drive. Golf carts, ATVs, and LSVs can be a fun, efficient way to travel around a community, make a short trip down the road, or enjoy natural spaces. But owners and operators must be aware of and follow the local rules governing the use of non-traditional vehicles on public roadways to stay safe …
Is It Legal To Install Solar Panels in My Backyard?
As residential electricity prices have soared in recent years, more Americans are looking for ways to reduce energy costs. Solar panels, especially small-scale solar units, are quickly growing as a sustainable, renewable energy solution. However, the legality of installing solar panels depends entirely on where you live. State laws, HOA rules, and local ordinances all play a role in determining whether you can install solar panels. If you have questions about your rights related to installing …
Are Psychedelics Legal? Psilocybin Laws, Decriminalization, and Medical Access
Interest in the use of psychedelic drugs for treating conditions such as depressive disorders, substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other conditions has greatly increased in recent years. Despite this momentum, no psychedelic drug has been approved in the United States. The legal landscape for psychedelics law remains a patchwork of state laws and federal regulations. If you need help understanding the legal framework governing psychedelic use in your state or are facing …
Shooting in Self-Defense: Castle Doctrine and Home Defense Laws
Home defense laws and Castle Doctrine statutes determine when a person can legally use force against an intruder inside their home. In many states, the law gives homeowners stronger protections when facing an unlawful entry or violent threat. However, those protections vary widely across the country, and not every use of deadly force will qualify as lawful self-defense. For legal guidance after a self-defense shooting or home defense dispute, use the Super Lawyers criminal defense lawyer …
Citizens Changing State Law: A State Guide to Ballot Initiatives and Referendums
Ballot initiatives and referendums are tools of direct democracy that allow citizens to propose or approve laws and constitutional amendments. However, not all states provide these legal mechanisms. In the states that do have these tools, the rules differ. In some cases, citizens can do this all without a single vote from a legislator. As an informed citizen, it is critical to understand these processes to fully participate. For legal help on starting a ballot initiative, find a local attorney …
Gender-Affirming Care: State Laws After SCOTUS Ruling in US v. Skrmetti
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Skrmetti allows states to restrict gender-affirming care for minors and sets a lower legal standard for evaluating these laws. As a result, access to care now depends heavily on where a patient lives, and constitutional challenges face a steeper path. The impact extends beyond the courtroom. Patients, parents, and medical professionals are now weighing legal risk alongside medical judgment, while new challenges continue to take shape …
Abortion Laws by State: Guide to Abortion Access and Restrictions
For nearly 50 years, Roe v. Wade (1973) established the constitutional right to abortion in the United States. This changed in 2022 following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe, leaving abortion regulation to individual states. With access to abortion varying widely by state in the post-Dobbs era, it’s important to be aware of your rights and the abortion laws in your state. If you have questions about your reproductive …
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