Profile
Joe represents clients in connection with complex coverage issues and disputes arising under various types of professional liability and general liability insurance policies. As a litigator, he has extensive experience representing companies in navigating business challenges and delivering practical solutions. Joe has litigated a wide range of cases, including business torts and contract disputes in the automotive and insurance sectors.
Experience
Representative Matters
- Litigates insurance coverage disputes in federal and state courts.
- Provides strategic advice and risk assessment to insurers on a variety of complex coverage issues, including applicability of various policy exclusions and conditions.
- Secured summary judgment for insurer in breach of contract dispute with former executives regarding benefit program.
- Analyzed proposed legislation and regulations relevant to the insurance industry arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Opposed motion to enforce subpoena served on insurer seeking highly sensitive materials in high-profile sports litigation and coordinated limited document production.
- Coordinated analysis of French court materials in advance of successful mediation in dispute seeking recoupment of insurance coverage for foreign proceedings.
- Represented insurer in dispute regarding coverage of certain consultants in connection with a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation.
- Represented insurer in dispute regarding coverage for defense costs associated with response to subpoenas and civil investigative demands.
- Implemented successful litigation strategy for largest alcoholic beverage distributor realignment in U.S. history, including filing 56 declaratory judgment actions in state and federal courts.
- Won complete victory for fire apparatus manufacturer on summary judgment in suit alleging breach of contract and business torts.
- Represented low-income tenants, pro bono, in landlord-tenant court.
Professional Experience
- Private law practice (2013-2020)
- Judicial Intern, the Honorable Reggie B. Walton, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia (2013)
- Law Clerk, U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Tort Claims Act Section (2011)
- Political communications and lobbying (2008-2010)
Recognitions
- Included in The Best Lawyers in America directory of “Ones to Watch” for Insurance Law (2022)
Practice Areas
Credentials
Education
J.D., magna cum laude, American University Washington College of Law, Order of the Coif
B.A., University of Pennsylvania
Law Journals
Senior Articles Editor, American University Law Review
Bar and Court Memberships
- District of Columbia Bar
- Maryland Bar
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
Related News & Insights
- Blog PostFirst Circuit Joins Other Circuits in Finding COVID-19-Related Losses Do Not Trigger “Business Interruption Coverage” Under Commercial Property Insurance PolicyWiley Executive SummaryJoseph W. GrossJune 6, 2022
- Blog PostLouisiana Federal Court Latest to Find Pandemic-Related Losses Not to Trigger “Business Interruption Coverage” Under Commercial Property PolicyWiley Executive SummaryJoseph W. GrossMay 17, 2022
- Blog PostAttorney Communications Regarding Undisclosed Contamination Found to Constitute Late-Noticed “Claim” Under Professional Liability PolicyWiley Executive SummaryJoseph W. GrossApril 1, 2022
- Blog PostD&O Insurer Has Duty to Defend Wrongful Death Suit Because of “Discrepancy” Between ExclusionsWiley Executive SummaryJoseph W. GrossFebruary 3, 2022