Joe has a broad civil practice that ranges from serving as outside counsel to start-up companies and community banks to the litigation of complex commercial matters in state and federal courts.
Representative Matters
Practice focuses on the representation of lenders, securities brokerage firms, secured creditors and commercial landlords covering the full range of legal services, from collateralization and business planning through active participation in complex litigation cases, securities arbitrations and bankruptcies.
Provide ongoing advice and representation in connection with litigation matters to clients such as East West Bank, Seattle Bank, HomeStreet Bank, Washington Federal Savings, Cathay Bank, Zions First National Bank, and HSBC.
Extensive experience in leading internal investigations and advising clients on corporate governance and compliance issues.
Successfully represented various creditors in bankruptcy cases nationwide. Representative cases include: Michael Mastro; Spiegel/Eddie Bauer; Enron North America; Mirant; NextWave Wireless; Chip Shot.com; Omega Environmental, Inc.; Midcomm Communications, Inc. and Trans World Airlines.
Special Litigation Counsel to the Debtor-in-Possession - In re Partners Mortgage Corporation.
Professional and Civic Involvement
King County Bar Association (Past VAPWA Volunteer Attorney)
Washington State Bar Association
Oregon State Bar Association
American Bar Association (Litigation Section)
Federal Bar Association
Washington State Association for Justice
King County Bar Foundation, Future of the Law Institute - Volunteer Mentor
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, Pro Bono Panel, 1999-2003
University of Washington School of Law, Professional Mentorship Program
Mavin Foundation, Member - Board of Directors, Past-President
Prior Experience
Law Clerk to Chief Judge Richard P. Matsch of the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
Education
J.D., University of Washington School of Law, 1993
Executive Comments Editor, Pacific Rim Law and Policy Journal
B.A., Whitman College, B.A., with honors and distinction, 1990
Awarded Myron Ells History Prize
Bar/Court Admissions
Washington State Supreme Court
Colorado State Supreme Court
Oregon State Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Oregon
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington
Personal
I am a proud native of South Seattle and enjoy spending time in the city during my free time. When I am not relaxing with my family, I enjoy coaching youth lacrosse, playing soccer, and stand up paddle boarding.
