I'm Joe, the firm's Managing Attorney. In September 2023, I organized the firm to help people.
I organized this firm as a project in service to others. My background in construction and legal work has always been about building—whether it be buildings or stronger, more resilient communities. After working in construction for several years, I pursued law in 2007 and, from 2011 to 2023, served as a humanitarian assistance lawyer with the Executive Branch. In 2016, I earned the Certified Emergency Manager designation from the International Association of Emergency Managers.
This firm does not measure success by billable hours or prestige—it is all about meaningful outcomes that improve lives. As a certificated private pilot, I often apply the same disciplined precision of aviation in to the way I practice law. I am always aspiring to remain focused on the bigger picture. Guided by values of compassion, justice, inclusion, and integrity, I am committed to advocating for folks who need it most, while ensuring fairness in the systems meant to serve them.
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I believe that I work diligently and truthfully in all causes that I put my mind to, keeping in mind that as a legal professional, I possess a serious voice for advocacy that should be tempered by humility while employing legal tactics with a sense of proportion to the challenge at hand and mindful of the desired result with the interests of diverse stakeholders in mind. I am passionate about ethics, placing ethical notions of honesty, truthfulness and transparency above subjective senses of professionalism that are quickly evolving and subject to distinctions within the diverse jurisdictions served by the firm. I do not participate in partisan politics; I am not a member of a political party, and I do not make political donations. I am licensed to practice before the courts of the States of Missouri and New York, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Western District of Texas.
My Background
Hof Law, LLC | 2023-present
Federal Emergency Management Agency | 2014-2023
United States Army | 2011-2015
University of Kansas School of Engineering | 2008-2010
ATD Flight Systems, 2008-2009
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law | 2007-2010
Hof Construction, Inc. | 2006-2007
Saint Louis University John Cook School of Business | 2002-2006
Crystal City Volunteer Fire Department | 2000-2002
Laborers International Union of North America | 1998-2002