Overview
Joe Derrigo is a partner and business lawyer with Foley & Lardner LLP, where he is a member of the firm's Transactions and Venture Capital Practices and the Technology, Cannabis and Sports Industry Teams.
He represents established and emerging companies at all stages of the business life cycle, from formation through funding, expansion and exit.
Joe leads cross-disciplinary teams in the negotiation of complex mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. In the emerging company space, he represents venture capital and other strategic investors placing growth capital and counsels operating companies on formation, governance, financing and commercial matters. Joe’s emerging company clients have described him as a “de-facto member of the c-suite” on account of his practical, business-focused approach to negotiating critical commercial agreements, joint ventures and other arrangements key to ongoing operations. His dual experience representing emerging companies and investors also promotes a 360-degree approach to complex venture financing and governance issues.
Joe has a wide range of industry experience. In the cannabis industry, he has negotiated mergers and acquisitions, complex joint ventures and debt and equity financing transactions for both multi-state operators and license holders in multiple jurisdictions. In sports, he has advised on controlling and non-controlling investments, as well as media rights, sponsorship, licensing and other strategic arrangements. His client base otherwise spans the biotech, healthcare, software, consumer goods, finance, media, manufacturing and government contracting industries, among others.
Recognition
Joe has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star (2022 - 2023) for his transactional work in the technology and cannabis industries, and was previously recognized as one of the “Top 40 Lawyers Under 40” in Washington, D.C.
Education and Prior Experience
Joe graduated with honors from The George Washington University Law School, where he was a member of The George Washington Law Review and the Moot Court Skills Board. He was also named a George Washington Scholar (top 15% of his class), Dean’s Fellow and Legal Research & Writing Fellow. He earned his bachelor’s degree from The University of Rochester, where he majored in political science and minored in legal studies while serving as captain of the varsity golf team.
During law school, Joe worked for the Washington Nationals Baseball Club in the Office of the General Counsel.
Community Engagement
Joe maintains an active pro bono practice, regularly assisting low income, elderly Washington, D.C. residents with wills and powers of attorney and advising veteran and minority-owned start-up companies on formation, corporate governance and commercial issues.
Admissions
Joe is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and Virginia.