Joan H. Osborne is Of Counsel to the firm and practices primarily in the area of defense of professional malpractice claims, focusing on multi-party construction related claims involving architects, engineers, surveyors, and landscape architects. With almost 20 years of combined experience in Pennsylvania and Arizona, in addition to New Jersey, her knowledge of the construction industry is diverse.
Joan's practice involves the review and negotiation of complex contracts for professional services and loss prevention counseling. She has reviewed professional service contracts for licensed professionals, construction contracts for both owners and contractors, employment contracts and all nature of commercial contracts for negotiation and litigation purposes. Her extensive experience in litigation provides added value in contract review as she anticipates potential complications and drafts appropriate language to address them. Joan has been lead litigation attorney on cases involving faulty EIFS installation, violation of the Consumer Fraud Act, toxic mold associated with property damage and personal injury, school construction claims, delay claims, and permit approval claims.
Joan has appeared in AAA Arbitrations and mediations as well as in the state and federal courts of New Jersey. She was successful trial and appellate counsel on Briggs v. Luisi A-1592-06T5 (NJ Super. App. Div. 2007) (Unpublished), a case of first impression regarding a contractor’s violation of the Consumer Fraud Act after making misrepresentations about the scope of repairs done to a purchasing homeowner. She has lectured in continuing education accredited seminars for licensed design professionals on issues of professional liability and compliance with professional regulations.
Beyond her legal practice, Joan devotes her time to the local community. Since 2004, she has served on the Board of Directors for CASA for Children of Monmouth County, a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to advocating for abused and neglected children. She previously served as a member and Chairperson of the Howell Township Environmental Commission and on its Municipal Green Team. In addition, as President and Manager of the Howell Farmer’s Market Association, she works in conjunction with the Township administration and other local volunteers to support a municipally sponsored local market for farmers and craft vendors.
Affiliations
- Howell Township Environmental Commission, Chairperson, 2016-2022
- Howell Farmer’s Market Association, President, 2020-Present
- CASA for Children of Monmouth County, Board of Directors, 2004-Present
- New Jersey Women Lawyers Association, 2015-Present