Joseph P. Messina

• Successfully defended food and beverage start-up against claims for theft of trade secrets under state and federal law.
• Represented a defense transportation company in connection with a federal investigation into alleged violations of the federal False Claims Act and in a concurrent civil qui tam matter. After two years, the investigation was concluded with no action taken by the government against the client. The civil action was resolved favorably to the client.
• Represented international manufacturing businesses in connection with an internal investigation into an embezzlement and kickback scheme by an officer and shareholder in the business. Successfully represented the company in a civil action against the officer alleging, among other things, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and RICO violations. The action was settled prior to trial at an amount equal to a multiple of actual damages.
• Represented national food manufacturer in connection with claims of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and improper use of the name and likeness of the companies’ co-founder. Pre-trial motions resulted in judgment in favor of client and judgment was affirmed on appeal.
• Represented a company founder in connection with a dispute regarding his earn out and escrow release after acquisition by a private equity firm. The matter was resolved with the client’s interest being purchased by the fund at a substantial premium.

Prior to forming a boutique litigation firm 2013, Joe was a partner in the firm of Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. where he practiced for over 20 years. Joe is admitted to practice in Massachusetts and the District of Columbia. He has earned an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest level of professional excellence as determined by opinions submitted by members of the Bar. He has also been recognized as a Massachusetts Super Lawyer.

Joe is a resident of Duxbury, Massachusetts where he serves as Chairman of the Duxbury Bay Management Commission and is the former Chairman of the Duxbury Conservation Commission. Joe is also a member of the Board of Directors of The Island Creek Oysters Foundation, Inc.