A graduate of Santa Clara University Law School, Joe worked for a major San Francisco insurance defense firm and another large local firm before starting his own practice in the 1980's. He is an appointed Judicial Fee Arbitrator for the State Bar of California. He is also an arbitrator panelist for the Superior Court of Santa Cruz County. Joe has served on the boards of the Central Coast Center for Independent Living, CCCIL, and the Veteran's Memorial board.

In his civil law career, he has conducted numerous trials, including as a member of the trial team in the Pajaro River Flood litigation. Joe has also facilitated many lucrative settlements in his cases. Joe has his California Department of Real Estate Broker's license. He also has coached high school teams in Moot Court competitions.

His hobbies include baseball, football, piano, singing and golf. He resides in South Santa Cruz county with his wife and children.