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.
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.
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.
University of Cincinnati, J.D. 2019 cum laude
The Ohio State University, B.A. in English, 2011 cum laude
Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America – Venture Capital, 2026-2027
Treasurer and Director of Wesley Chapel Mission Center
“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
September 30, 2025 | Publications
This article was republished in the Jan. 2026 edition of The Licensing Journal, a publication of Wol...