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Practices

Biography

Joe focuses his practice on the needs of startups, venture capital and private equity funds, emerging companies and established businesses. He provides counsel on a variety of matters with a particular focus on seed and priced round financings, fund formation, and debt finance transactions, in addition to general corporate needs. Prior to attending law school, Joe spent 5 years as a commercial lender and credit analyst for several community banks in the Greater Cincinnati area. Joe is also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and remains active in the veteran community, assisting veteran founders form, scale, and navigate the traditional venture-backed and lifestyle business pathways with a perspective unique in the legal community.

Other Info About Joe

Work History

Prior Work Experience

Provided legal counsel to several global banks and private equity funds in a variety of fund finance and NAV facility transactions. Served as counsel to several venture-backed companies through formation and seed and priced-round financings. Assisted with the formation of three investment funds focusing on early-stage companies as well as mature-businesses and real estate holdings. Lead counsel to community bank in connection with the structuring, negotiation and documentation of construction financing for a ski resort.

Experience

Legal Work Highlights

Convinced premier VC firm to drop requirement for opinion of Company counsel in $2.5MM early-stage VC financing where Term Sheet specifically required otherwise.

Education

Law School

University of Cincinnati, J.D. 2019 cum laude

Undergraduate School

The Ohio State University, B.A. in English, 2011 cum laude

 

Bar Memberships

Joe is licensed to practice in the following state(s):

Ohio

Recognition

Local & National Recognition

Award Selection Methodology

Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America – Venture Capital, 2026

Civic Activities

Civic & Charitable Organizations

Treasurer and Director of Wesley Chapel Mission Center

Major Publications

Joe is an author or contributor to the following publications:

“Three Critical Legal Mistakes Startup Founders Can’t Afford to Make,” The Licensing Journal, pub. by Wolters Kluwer, Jan. 2026

“Challenge Accepted: A Reconsideration of Regulatory Takings Jurisprudence Under the Privileges or Immunities Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment,” University of Cincinnati Law Review, Vol. 86, no. 4, Dec. 2018

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