Joseph A. Manno

In his hospitality practice, Joe serves on the national and trial counsel teams defending international hotel franchisees and franchisors in cases alleging liability involving alleged human and sex trafficking. These claims often require the defense of allegations based on negligence (premises liability), Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO), and the Trafficking Victims Reauthorization Act. Joe also leads national counsel teams defending personal injury claims related to escalators and elevators in hotels, casinos, arenas, and shopping centers throughout the country.

In his product liability practice, Joe has defended a wide array of products, including snowmobiles, golf cars, medical devices, HVAC equipment, refrigerant press fittings, electrical equipment, paints, electronic cigarettes and vaporizers, hose fittings, and chemicals.

Though Joe has deep experience in all facets of litigation, he is known for his ability to quickly develop expertise in product engineering and design, science, medicine, and specialized statutory frameworks, making him a key strategic partner on numerous and varied national counsel teams. For repeat litigation, Joe has a heightened appreciation for the value of a consistent but nimble national strategy in case work-up, discovery (both offensive and defensive), and legal issues and implements those strategies through effective (and winning) trial themes. Joe devotes over half his practice to federal courts across the country.

When not traveling on client matters, Joe and his wife Natalie have their hands full with their two young children, who frequently try to make appearances on Zoom meetings.