Joseph A. Petrillo

Joe Petrillo is a Partner and Chair of Hoagland Longo’s Construction Department, where he focuses on construction defect, construction general liability, professional liability, and consumer fraud claims. Joe’s practical, results-driven approach—paired with deep litigation experience—allows him to consistently deliver favorable outcomes, whether through trial, appellate advocacy, or strategic settlements.

Widely respected for his ability to navigate complex legal disputes, Joe has built a strong reputation in the construction and professional liability sectors. His clients—including construction professionals, businesses, and insurers—rely on his ability to resolve matters with clarity and precision. He is known for securing dismissals, achieving advantageous settlements, and prevailing on appeal. Outside the courtroom, Joe is a dedicated educator. From 2015 – 2022, he has served as a Guest Lecturer at Rutgers University’s School of Engineering, where he teaches Legal & Professional Issues for the New Jersey Engineer, sharing valuable insights on liability risks and best practices for soon-to-be engineers.

Joe’s professional accomplishments have earned him repeated recognition in The Best Lawyers in America (2024 & 2025) for Construction Law and Litigation. He was also named a “Rising Star” by New Jersey Super Lawyers in 2021 and completed the American Board of Trial Advocates’ (ABOTA) National Trial College—an intensive trial advocacy program held at Harvard Law School.

On a personal note, Joe is a runner and outdoorsman. He successfully completed the Philadelphia Marathon in 2012, the New York Marathon in 2016, and the Ocean Drive Marathon in 2018. His commitment to discipline, focus, and long-term goals—on and off the course—reflects the same drive he brings to his legal practice.

On a personal note, Joe is an avid runner and successfully completed the Philadelphia Marathon in 2012, the New York Marathon in 2016, and the Ocean Drive Marathon in 2018.

Areas of Focus

Construction Litigation & Professional Liability Defense

• Represents contractors, engineers, architects, and design professionals in construction defect, liability, and consumer fraud claims.
• Defends professionals and firms in allegations of design errors, project mismanagement, and violations of industry standards.
• Advises on contract disputes, indemnification issues, and risk mitigation strategies.

Insurance Defense & General Liability

• Defends property owners, businesses, and insurance carriers in construction-related accident cases.
• Handles catastrophic injury claims, aggressively challenging causation and damages to limit liability.
• Experienced in alternative dispute resolution (ADR), motion practice, and trial advocacy to achieve favorable results for clients.

Appellate Litigation & Legal Strategy

• Successfully defends trial court rulings in appellate matters involving professional liability, construction disputes, and procedural defenses.
• Expertise in Affidavit of Merit and Entire Controversy Doctrine defenses to dismiss claims at early litigation stages.
• Advises clients and trial attorneys on appeals, legal briefings, and appellate argument strategy.

Consumer Fraud & Business Disputes

• Represents homeowners, contractors, and design professionals in consumer fraud and breach of contract claims.
• Defends businesses against deceptive trade practice allegations, negotiating favorable settlements and dismissals.
• Extensive experience in litigating counterclaims and protecting clients from excessive statutory penalties.

Representative Litigation & Trial Experience

Construction & Professional Liability Defense

• Negotiated a minimal settlement for an architect facing a $4 million claim.
• Achieved a favorable resolution for a sheet metal company in a dispute over defective HVAC design and construction, securing dismissal with prejudice.

Personal Injury & Premises Liability Defense

• Obtained dismissal of a personal injury claim against an architect, proving that alleged site conditions did not constitute negligence.
• Defended an architect in a fall injury case where a trench covering allegedly failed, securing dismissal before trial.

Appellate Advocacy & Legal Dismissals

• Successfully defended an architectural firm in an appeal based on the Affidavit of Merit Statute, securing dismissal with prejudice.
• Defended an engineering firm in an appeal involving the Entire Controversy Doctrine, obtaining an affirmation of dismissal in a construction defect case.

Statute of Limitations Defense in Wrongful Death Case

• Defended an engineering company in a multi-party wrongful death lawsuit related to roadway construction. Successfully argued for dismissal based on Statute of Limitations defenses.

Consumer Fraud & Contract Disputes

• Negotiated a favorable settlement between a homeowner and contractor in a Consumer Fraud and breach of contract case, resolving the dispute without financial penalty for the client.
• Successfully defended a homeowner against a breach of contract claim, litigated a Consumer Fraud counterclaim, and secured a jury verdict in favor of the client.

Pro Bono Work for Superstorm Sandy Victims

• Provided contract review and legal guidance for Union Beach homeowners rebuilding after Superstorm Sandy, ensuring fair and enforceable agreements for reconstruction and solar panel installation.

Affiliations

• Monmouth County Bar Association
  • Special Civil Part Committee (2016-2019; 2021-Present)
  • Judicial Appointments Committee (2016-2019)
  • Civil Practice Committee (2017-2024)
  • Community Association Law Committee (2021-2024)
• New Jersey State Bar Association
  • Construction Law Section
• Eastern Monmouth County Chamber of Commerce
• Supreme Court of New Jersey, District IX Ethics Committee (2018 – Present)
  • Chair (2024-Present)
  • Vice Chair (2022-2024)
• Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM)
• Defense Research Institute (DRI)

Awards

• Best New Jersey Lawyers for Families, New Jersey Family (2022)
• The Best Lawyers in America (2024 and 2025)
• New Jersey Super Lawyers, "Rising Stars" list (2021)

•