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Joseph R. Bjarnson is a Partner with the Firm and a member of the Firm’s Litigation Group and Energy, Environment, and Resources Practice Group. Since joining the Firm in 2012, Mr. Bjarnson has earned a reputation as a hardworking attorney, with an ability to work on a variety of complex matters in different practice areas. Joe has also made significant contributions to his community and devoted countless hours to pro bono causes.
What was your background before joining the Firm?
Before joining Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz, I worked for a large New York City law firm as a corporate litigation associate. My practice concentrated on complex commercial litigation involving healthcare, banking, finance and insurance. After working in New York City for a few years, I decided to transition to a firm on Long Island, where my family was living. My work with the Firm also provides me more of an opportunity to have direct contact with clients to better assist with their particular matters.
What areas do you practice in?
I practice primarily in the areas of commercial litigation, zoning and land use. I have significant experience working with non-profit institutions to achieve their land use and litigation objectives. In addition, I work with one of the Firm’s Partners, Miriam Villani, who leads the Firm’s Energy, Environment, and Resources Practice Group.
What is the key to success in handling complex and substantial matters?
Having a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of our clients’ overall institutional goals and objectives is important in achieving a successful outcome. In working with our clients in the healthcare industry, I have found that having an understanding of the advancements in the industry and the means for providing groundbreaking care have been vital to accomplishing our clients’ goals. Having such an understanding, whether it is in land use or litigation matters, has allowed us to successfully work with individuals at the highest municipal and administrative levels, as well as attorneys at other firms. This is gratifying work because, when the project is completed, we have accomplished a result that will help people with their healthcare needs.
What particular trends or themes do you see in connection with large institutional clients?
Particularly in the healthcare sector, we are seeing significant advancements and improvements in the way healthcare services are provided to the community. These advancements have resulted in, among other things, new medical centers, new specialized laboratories, and expansion of existing facilities that require unique and substantial regulatory and zoning approvals.
Tell us about your pro bono work that you were recognized for.
After I joined the Firm, I served as the Firm’s lead counsel in David et. al. v. Signal International, LLC, et. al., a lawsuit filed in Federal Court in the Eastern District of Louisiana. In 2015, the Firm’s co-counsel and I obtained a $14 million federal jury verdict on behalf of five Indian nationals who filed the lawsuit against a marine fabrication company, with which they worked, and other defendants. The case involved claims of human trafficking, forced labor, racketeering and civil rights violations. As a result of our hard work, the trial team was honored with the Trial Lawyer of the Year award in 2015 by the Public Justice Foundation. This was a case that was very important to me and the Firm. There are still too many companies out there that take advantage of indigent and transient workers.
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