Joseph Harper is a commercial litigator and bankruptcy attorney committed to firm and strategic advocacy to advance his clients’ interests and achieve their goals. His practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, corporate bankruptcy counseling and litigation, appellate litigation, trust and probate litigation, veterans law, and general commercial and real estate dispute resolution. He is a member of the firm’s Bankruptcy & Business Reorganization and Commercial Litigation Practices.
Joseph also has a thriving civil commitment and guardianship practice, primarily on a pro bono basis, including in connection with the State of Wisconsin’s public defenders’ offices. Through this work, he has secured the freedom of numerous individuals from wrongful civil commitments.
Representative Experience
- Appellate Practice: Won reversal of dismissed defamation claim in the Wisconsin Court of Appeals (through briefing that the client called “Magic!”), and drafted a rare and successful motion to dismiss an associated appeal filed by the tortfeasor defendant.
- Commercial Real Estate: Settled a $20 million real estate dispute and orchestrated the associated deals, including a 1031 exchange of approximately $16 million in real estate, in addition to stock and partnership unit purchases.
- Insolvency Workouts: Negotiated closing on a complex set of forbearance agreements and guaranties on behalf of a lender owed over $65 million, which resulted in repayment in full.
- Veterans law: Won benefits appeal before the the U.S. Court of Appeals of Veterans Claims, earning the following client feedback: “Words alone cannot express the gratitude that I have for you, Joe. You make the world a better place. So once again I salute you. You are an honorable man and I will always have your 6.”