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Meet Our Professionals

Joseph F. Fiorill

Partner
Washington, DC | 202.854.2819
Fax | 202.217.2771

Businesses turn to Joe Fiorill to resolve high-stakes disputes, particularly involving construction projects, commercial leases, development ventures, and other disputes in the commercial real estate industry. His clients include developers, property owners, real estate investment firms, lenders, contractors, and educational institutions. Across the board, he approaches disputes as a problem-solver working to help each client achieve its business goals.

Joe has a deep understanding of the practical and legal nuances of construction projects, which enables him to provide strategic counsel on delays, construction defects, and other challenges. He is equally adept at resolving a broad range of other conflicts in the real estate industry, including disputes over leasing, contract violations, joint ventures, easements and covenants, and other issues. His litigation experience extends to other industries as well, from representing business owners in partnership disputes to employers in noncompete litigation. 

In addition, Joe has significant experience representing educational institutions (from preschool to postsecondary) with respect to a wide range of their legal needs, including related to real estate, contracts, enrollment, and employment. He had a long tenure as outside general counsel to a Washington, DC, Montessori school.

Prior to joining Parker Poe, Joe was a partner at one of the 80 largest global law firms, where he served as pro bono chair of its Washington, DC, office. Earlier in his career, he served as a law clerk to the senior judges of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and as an intern to the chief justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court.

Joe earned his law degree from Georgetown University, his master's degree in French from Washington University, and his bachelor's degree in English and French from Dickinson College. He is fluent in French and covered international affairs as a journalist before becoming a lawyer.

Representative Experience

  • Obtained dismissal of a lawsuit seeking to invalidate the right of a shopping-center owner to withhold consent to the financially unqualified prospective buyer of a separately owned anchor parcel.
  • Represented world-renowned art museum in six-year, $120 million litigation with construction contractor over defects and delays on a highly specialized project. 
  • Led trial on easement issue and continues to represent real estate investment firm in related, multimillion-dollar series of disputes at Maryland shopping center. 
  • Represented national developer in litigation with Washington, DC, seller of redevelopment parcel, and rival purchaser, over seller's violation of exclusive letter of intent; successfully won deal back for client from rival purchaser. 
  • Led Maryland litigation representing cash-advance company sued by regional appliance chain over forged agreement; achieved favorable settlement on eve of trial. 
  • Achieved favorable results for multiple developers, investors, and lenders in disputes over moneys owed or not owed after failed ventures.
  • Obtained advantageous settlement for New York investment firm in dispute with joint venture partner over floundering project.
  • Counseled developers on navigating municipal bureaucracy.  
  • Represented employers whose ex-employees violated confidentiality and noncompete provisions.
  • Represented schools in disputes with construction contractors, landlords, and enrolled students and their families. 

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Memberships

  • American Bar Association
  • District of Columbia Bar
  • Maryland State Bar Association