NEW YORK (February 28, 2023) – Womble Bond Dickinson announced today that Joseph A. Patella has joined the firm’s Business Litigation group as a partner in New York. 

Patella represents clients in complex commercial litigation with a focus on financial services, energy, insurance, and the art world. He has significant experience in federal and state trial courts and arbitration proceedings and advises corporate clients on managing and controlling litigation risks, including oversight and internal investigations. 

“Joe is a native New Yorker, and his complex and cross-disciplinary practice is precisely what the firm needs in the New York market at this moment. His auction, art, and museum practice are unusual and translate wonderfully to a transatlantic platform,” said Christopher W. Jones, who leads the Business Litigation Practice Group and serves on the firm’s Global Board. “We are excited to welcome a lawyer of his caliber to the firm.”

“Joe is a native New Yorker, and his complex and cross-disciplinary practice is precisely what the firm needs in the New York market at this moment. His auction, art, and museum practice are unusual and translate wonderfully to a transatlantic platform. We are excited to welcome a lawyer of his caliber to the firm.”

Christopher Jones, Business Litigation Practice Group Leader and Global Board Member, Womble Bond Dickinson

Patella has developed a long-term relationship with clients by balancing an aggressive litigation posture with a sensitivity to controlling expenses and maximizing efficiency. Among his clients, Patella has represented one of the world’s leading auction houses for over a decade in a wide array of commercial disputes. 

Before private practice, Patella worked as litigation counsel for American Express, managing complex litigation nationwide. He joins Womble from the New York office of Hunton Andrews Kurth. 

“Womble’s transatlantic platform and culture of collaboration are an ideal fit for my practice,” said Patella. “I look forward to contributing to the growth of the New York office and nationwide litigation practice.”

“Womble’s transatlantic platform and culture of collaboration are an ideal fit for my practice. I look forward to contributing to the growth of the New York office and nationwide litigation practice.”

Joe Patella, Partner, Womble Bond Dickinson

Patella is active with professional and civic organizations, including the New York City Bar Association’s Art Law Committee, Emma’s Place Grief and Loss Counseling, and the Community School for learning disabled students in Teaneck, N.J. He graduated cum laude from Fordham University with a B.A. in political science and earned his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School.