Joseph A. Patella
Partner
Joe’s practice focuses on complex commercial litigation matters at both the trial and appellate levels in federal and state courts and in arbitration proceedings throughout the country. He has successfully represented clients in a broad range of commercial disputes, including contract and fiduciary duty claims, deceptive trade practices, shareholder derivative suits, employment/non-compete issues, accountant’s liability, computer software implementation, equipment leasing and insurance coverage disputes. Joe has also represented corporations in complex high-exposure class actions in various jurisdictions throughout the country, including recent class action suits filed in Florida, Utah and New York. Joe also represents auction houses, museums and art collectors in fine art and cultural property litigation.
Representative Experience
- Representation of accounting firm in purported Florida class action where class alleged that firm aided and abetted massive fraud concerning investments in viatical life settlements with losses totaling in excesses of $700 million
- Representation of entertainment business managers in California insurance dispute with popular musical recording artist
- Representation of telecommunications company in purported New York class action alleging Federal Communications Act violations
- Representation of Forbes 11 client to recover misappropriated artwork
- Representation of equipment leasing business in purported Utah class action alleging unfair trade practices
- Representation of accounting firm in Florida malpractice action concerning services provided to hedge fund that sustained damages in excess of $100 million
- Representation of insurer in New York antitrust litigation involving sale of retirement annuities
Publications
- "Missing the IDEA: New York's Segregated Special Education System" 4 J.L. & POLY 239 (1995)
Events
- "Minimizing Risk and Avoiding Becoming the 'Hunted' - An Overview of California's Rosenthal Act" (June 19, 2009)
- "Drafting Agreements with a Litigator's Eye: A Practical Guide" (October 15, 2003)
- "Internet Jurisdiction: An International Primer" (February 26, 2001)
