Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network. For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Joe Guarino of our member firm, Epstein Becker & Green in New Jersey!
In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
I have a busy and diverse practice representing U.S. and multi-national clients from many different industries.
Who would be your typical client?
My typical client is in-house counsel for a mid to large sized business.
What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
My practice emphasizes the representation of management and employers in labor & employment matters, including both preventive counseling & litigation. I also regularly litigate commercial matters in which I represent companies in securities fraud cases, false advertising claims, shareholder disputes, non-compete matters, broker dealer litigation, provider claims, third-party administrator suits, hospital/network disputes & ERISA class actions. My client base has a national & international presence and primarily conduct business in the healthcare, dietary supplement, transportation, retail and financial services industries. I have been fortunate to have been named as one of the state’s top litigators by the New Jersey Law Journal for the past several years. The goals of my practice are to provide world-class legal representation at an affordable price and to be available to serve my clients on a 24/7 basis. I never bill my clients to speak with me about anything that is on their mind. I only expect to be fairly compensated when I add value. My team and I know that our clients represent business units with budgets and other constraints. Thus, we strive to obtain optimal results by proactive counseling, alternative resolution or, as a last resort, litigation.
What has been your most challenging case? Why?
The next one that comes in the door!
What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
My proudest moments are when a client shakes my hand or gives me a hug and says “thank you.” That’s what it is all about.
What do you do when you’re not practicing law?
My wife and I are the proud parents of a seven year old daughter (Ava) and an “active” two year old son (Riley). Since we both have busy careers, we enjoy our time as a family doing simple things such as cooking family dinners, playing sports, watching movies, reading books and visiting with family and friends.
What would surprise people most about you?
That I subscribe to a paleolithic (caveman) diet and practice daily meditation. I was also an All-State outfielder at St. Peter’s Prep and at the University of Scranton.
What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
Meeting Lindsay Griffiths!
What career would you have chosen if you weren’t a lawyer?
I would have been a carpenter.
If a movie were made of your life, who would you want to play you?
Gerard Butler. Someone once said that I looked like him and I took it as a compliment!
How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to think that the script is still being written. But, if people thought of me as an ordinary person who did extraordinary things, I would be happy.