Joseph V. Leone is a seasoned litigator and Partner at Hoagland Longo, where he is a member of the firm’s Executive Management Committee. With over two decades of experience in complex civil litigation, Joe has built a reputation for successfully defending clients in high-stakes matters involving general liability, construction defect, construction site accidents, professional liability, premises liability, trucking and transportation, and product liability. He routinely appears as lead counsel before the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, the Superior Court of New Jersey, and municipal courts across the state.
A results-driven advocate, Joe is known for his ability to navigate multifaceted litigation from initial investigation through trial, appeal, or resolution via alternative dispute forums such as mediation and arbitration. Drawing on more than twenty years of complex litigation experience, Joe brings a comprehensive approach and perspective to the many legal and business challenges clients encounter.
Joe also serves as lead counsel in construction-related cases involving indemnification, insurance coverage, contract interpretation, liability, and damages. He regularly represents developers, contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals in high-stakes construction litigation.
In addition to his litigation work, Joe serves as outside counsel to companies across a range of industries. He works with clients on business formations, risk management, and the negotiation and development of contracts, offering guidance that blends legal precision with practical business sense. His dual focus on litigation and business counseling positions him as a trusted, long-term adviser to the clients he serves.
Joe’s commitment to legal excellence has earned him multiple professional accolades. He holds the AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale Hubbell—the highest peer-reviewed rating for legal ability and ethical standards. He has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America since 2023 and was named one of the New Jersey Law Journal’s “New Leaders of the Bar,” an honor given to only fifty attorneys statewide. Within the firm, Joe also leads marketing and business development initiatives and actively serves on the Technology and Fee Committees, further contributing to Hoagland Longo’s strategic direction and growth.
Areas of Focus
General Liability & Premises Liability
Joe has extensive experience defending property owners, managers, and businesses against claims involving personal injury, negligent security, and hazardous premises. He is frequently retained to represent clients facing claims arising from commercial accidents, slips and falls, and other liability issues affecting commercial and residential properties.
Construction Defect & Site Accident Litigation
Joe routinely represents developers, general contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals in litigation involving construction defects, site accidents, and contractual disputes. His cases often involve indemnification, risk transfer, defective workmanship, and insurance coverage. He has successfully defended claims tied to building envelope failures, structural defects, and unsafe worksite conditions, including matters arising from construction projects involving solar companies.
Professional Liability
Joe has represented a range of licensed professionals—including architects, engineers, and attorneys—in defending against claims of malpractice and negligence. His experience spans complex dispute resolution, licensing board issues, and litigation arising from alleged professional misconduct.
Corporate Counsel & Risk Management
In addition to litigation, Joe advises companies on business formation, internal policies, employment matters, and contractual obligations. His ongoing counsel to corporate clients includes insurance analysis, contract review, and proactive measures to reduce liability exposure.
Trucking & Transportation
Joe has represented trucking and transportation companies in claims involving vehicular accidents, regulatory compliance, and personal injury. His strategic litigation approach minimizes risk and exposure for clients while achieving favorable settlements or verdicts.
Product Liability
As lead counsel in complex product liability cases, Joe has defended manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers against claims alleging design and manufacturing defects, breach of warranty, and failure to warn. His work includes a notable dismissal of a $2.9 million product liability claim in federal court involving allegedly defective plumbing components in a large-scale residential development.
Representative Litigation Experience
- Defense Dismissal in $2.9M Product Liability Case: Successfully obtained dismissal in federal court of a $2.9 million claim for negligence, breach of contract, and product liability related to allegedly defective galvanized steel pipes used in a residential high-rise development.
- $4M Construction Defect Settlement: Negotiated a favorable resolution for a roofing contractor in a condominium association's $4 million claim for construction defects involving faulty roof installation.
- Resolution of Multi-Million-Dollar Development Disputes: Litigated and resolved two major lawsuits tied to a $600 million failed residential development. Achieved favorable settlements for a masonry contractor in both the homeowners’ association defect claims and developer cross-claims seeking indemnification and contribution, significantly reducing client liability from a global demand of $12 million.
Published Decisions:
Unpublished Decisions:
Affiliations
- Middlesex County Bar Association
- Middlesex County Bar Association, Former Trustee (2011-2013)
- Middlesex County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Committee, Former Co-Chair (2004-2008)
- Monmouth County Bar Association
- Eastern Monmouth County Chamber of Commerce
- Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM), Fellow
- Defense Research Institute (DRI)
- Professional Liability Defense Federation (PLDF)
- Trial Attorneys of New Jersey (TANJ), Trustee
- New Jersey Defense Association (NJDA), Premise Liability Committee
- Monmouth County Lawyers Basketball League
- Monmouth U.S.B.C. Youth Association, Former Trustee (2004-2007)
Awards
- Martindale-Hubbell, Rated AV Preeminent
- The Best Lawyers in America (2023-2025)
- New Jersey Super Lawyers (2022-Present)
- New Jersey Super Lawyers, "Rising Stars" list (2015-2017)
- New Jersey Law Journal, "New Leaders of the Bar" list (2014)
- American Lawyer Media, "Top Rated Lawyer" list in Construction Law (2012)
- The Italian Voice, Stivale D'Italia Award of Excellence (2014)
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Joseph V. LeoneRated by Super Lawyers
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A description of the selection process methodologies on which these accolades are based can be found here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
Super Lawyers® is published by Thomson Reuters. Best Lawyers in America® is published by Best Lawyers in partnership with U.S. News & World Report. Martindale-Hubbell® is published by Internet Brands, Inc. A description of their selection process can be found in the respective links above. The aforementioned organizations are private peer review organizations, not court-specific, public certification vehicles. No aspect of this advertisement has been submitted to or approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.