Joe focuses his practice in the defense of various professionals including lawyers, accountants, and insurance agents and brokers for claims of malpractice, errors and omissions, as well as professional licensing issues.
In addition to his professional liability practice, Joe has significant experience handling commercial trucking (long haul and short haul) as well as commercial coach carrier matters. His practice also includes litigation of insurance coverage and bad faith issues, various general liability claims, and construction defect matters as well as counselling small and mid-size companies relative to risk management.
Joe was named President and Managing Partner of MRR in 2012 and prior to that he served as Administrative Partner-in-Charge of the Cleveland office from 2000 – 2012.
Before joining the firm in 1991, he worked as a claims representative at Progressive Casualty Insurance Company for two years adjusting private passenger automobile claims. He also worked for Transport Insurance Company in Dallas, Texas, as a Claims Branch Manager, Regional Claims Manager, and then as a Claims Attorney where he managed commercial trucking claims.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Recognized by Best Lawyers in Transportation Law from 2012 – 2025
- Named “Lawyer of the Year” in Transportation Law by Best Lawyers in 2019
- AV® Preeminent™ rating by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory
- Ohio Super Lawyers (2023-2024) – Insurance Coverage
PRESENTATIONS
- Your House Counsel Webinar
- National Trends in Bad Faith Litigation 2022
- Protecting Privilege for Pre-Suit Investigations 2022
- Reservation of Rights 2022
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Mater Dei Academy, Board of Trustees (2007-2009)
- City of Wickliffe, Board of Zoning Appeals (2005-Present)
- Vice Chairman (2010-Present)
- Villa Angela-St. Joseph Oarsman Club
- Vice President (2010-2013)
BAR ADMISSIONS
- Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
EDUCATION
- J.D., 1986, Cleveland State University, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
- B.A., 1983, University of Dayton (cum laude)
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
- Ohio State Bar Association
- Professional Liability Defense Federation
- Insurance Agents & Brokers Committee, Past Chair
- Your House Counsel, Group Chair (2012 to Present)
- Claims and Litigation Management Alliance
- Trucking Industry Defense Association