Raised in Fresno, Joe graduated from Hoover High School and then Fresno State, where he majored in journalism and business. Joe began his career in workers’ compensation in 1987 when he was hired as workers’ compensation claims adjuster at State Compensation Insurance Fund. He was then recruited to the firm of Cole and Fisher, where he worked as a workers’ compensation legal assistant. While earning his Eagle Scout as a young man, Joe became interested in the practice of law. He decided to pursue a law degree, which he earned at San Joaquin College of Law, graduating with distinction. As a certified specialist in workers’ compensation law, Joe has focused on assisting injured workers and their families through the difficulties arising from a work-related injury or serious illness, including handling appeals at the Social Security Administration. Joe is member of the California Applicants’ Attorneys Association, an organization of attorneys who advocate on behalf of those injured at work. He serves as the President of the Central Valley Chapter of this state-wide organization. He is also a member of the National Association of Social Security Representatives, the Fresno County Bar Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and he serves as treasurer on the Fresno Prayer Breakfast Committee. Joe is accepting workers’ compensation and Social Security cases in the Central Valley. In very serious matters, he has handled cases as far away as Oklahoma.