Chambers USA describes Joe as "[a]dmired by clients as a straight-shooting, no-nonsense guy." As a member of Thompson Coburn's environmental practice, Joe is an experienced counselor who represents and advises clients on compliance matters as well as contested matters such as citizens suits, administrative actions and civil and criminal enforcement under the various state and federal environmental statutes including the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, CERCLA, FIFRA, and RCRA. He has completed the HAZWOPER 40-hour training course and is certified to accompany a client's first responders at accident scenes to act as the client's eyes and ears as the scene develops. His diverse practice has included defending clients against toxic tort allegations arising from incidents such as train derailments, refinery explosions and alleged environmental contamination related to radiation, oil, animal fat, solvents, heavy metals and other organic and inorganic substances. Joe's practice is nationwide and he has handled matters involving the United States Environmental Protection Agency as well as numerous state environmental agencies and regulatory authorities throughout the country.
In addition to representing clients in purely environmental matters, Joe also acts as outside general counsel for a number of closely held companies and managers of publicly held companies. These clients frequently seek his assistance in representing them in non-environmental matters. As a result, Joe's practice is one of the most diverse in the environmental department. He has substantial experience in representing clients in general litigation, product liability and toxic tort litigation, contract disputes, trucking litigation including fatality cases, intellectual property disputes, OSHA matters and insurance coverage and indemnification lawsuits. This broad based experience causes Joe to think outside the box and bring creative solutions to those he represents.