
Phillip E. Joseph, Construction Attorney in Portland, Oregon
Over 38 years of legal practice · focused on Construction, General, and Litigation · 4.6/5 rating from 24 verified client reviews
PartneratBall Janik LLP
Portland, OR
Practicing construction in Portland since 1988.
- 38+
- Years practicing
- 4.6 ★
- 24 client reviews
- 4
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Phillip E. Joseph?
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Quick answer
Phillip E. Joseph is a partner based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Construction, General, and Litigation. Phillip has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ball Janik LLP. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 24 client reviews.
- Based in
- Portland, OR
- Experience
- over 38 years
- Known for
- Construction · General · Litigation
- Handles Construction, General, and Litigation matters from Portland, OR.
- Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Phillip E. Joseph: Phillip E. Joseph is a partner based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Construction, General, and Litigation. Phillip has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ball Janik LLP. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 24 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Phillip takes on
Phillip concentrates on construction, general, litigation, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Phillip handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Construction
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General
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Construction cases in Portland, Oregon
Phillip takes construction matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Phillip agrees to represent you.
General cases in Portland, Oregon
Phillip takes general matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Phillip agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Portland, Oregon
Phillip takes litigation matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Phillip agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Portland, Oregon
Phillip takes real estate matters in Portland, Oregon. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Phillip agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Phillip E. Joseph — construction lawyer in Portland
Phillip E. Joseph is a partner based in Portland, OR. The practice focuses on Construction, General, and Litigation. Phillip has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ball Janik LLP. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 24 client reviews.
Phillip Joseph co-chairs Ball Janik LLP’s construction litigation practice, which is growing in national reach and prominence. He is a commercial litigator whose primary focus is construction and real estate litigation, including design and construction disputes, construction defect, general counsel for community associations, purchase/sale disputes, real estate disputes, commercial landlord/tenant, and collections. Mr. Joseph has received the AV® Preeminent™ Rating from Martindale–Hubbell®. He was recognized in The Best Lawyers in America in Community Association Law in 2017.
Mr. Joseph has extensive experience litigating multi-million dollar construction disputes representing predominantly owners. These construction disputes include construction lien litigation, defective design and construction, late delivery, extra/changed work and impact claims, Little Miller Act claims, and insurance coverage for construction disputes. With respect to design/build construction projects, Mr. Joseph has defended multi-million dollar claims for additional compensation. For example, he represented, tried, and obtained a verdict in favor of an international wafer chip fabrication facility against $20+million claims by a design/build contractor of a clean-room facility; represented and settled claims against the owner of two large apartment projects against million dollar claims by a design/build subcontractor; and defended and settled claims against the developer of a large-scale apartment and condo project in Tacoma, Washington from multi-million dollar claims of a design/build contractor; and represented and settled claims against the owner of a paper-making plant by the design/build contractor responsible for re-piping and overhauling a paper manufacturing machine.
Mr. Joseph has also successfully prosecuted and defended a wide range of construction defect cases on behalf of owners, ranging from large residences to condominiums/townhomes, subdivisions, apartments, hotels, offices, retail stores, schools, retirement facilities and shopping centers.
He was selected to the Oregon Super Lawyers list, 2009-2010.
Mr. Joseph has lectured widely and authored articles on construction defect and real estate litigation issues. He is also the editor of the Real Estate Disputes CLE for the Oregon State Bar.
Honors
AV® Preeminent™ Rating
Martindale–Hubbell®, American Registry
The Best Lawyers in America©, 2017
Oregon Super Lawyers list, 2009–2010
Phillip's approach to construction cases
Phillip Joseph co-chairs Ball Janik LLP’s construction litigation practice, which is growing in national reach and prominence. He is a commercial litigator whose primary focus is construction and real estate litigation, including design and construction disputes, construction defect, general counsel for community associations, purchase/sale disputes, real estate disputes, commercial…
Clients Phillip works with
Phillip reviews new inquiries case-by-case for construction, general, and litigation matters in Portland and the surrounding Oregon area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Washington School of Law
J.D. · 1988
University of Oregon
B.A. Finance · 1984
Jurisdictions
Phillip's state bar admissions
Idaho
2010 · ACTIVE
Washington
2001 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
2000 · ACTIVE
Oregon Utah Florida
1988 · ACTIVE
Phillip studied at J.D. in University of Washington School of Law and B.A. Finance in University of Oregon.
Law school and academic background
Phillip completed J.D. in University of Washington School of Law and B.A. Finance in University of Oregon. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Phillip runs in Oregon is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Phillip has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Phillip E. Joseph's office in Portland
Phillip's primary office is at One Main Place, 101 SW Main Street, Suite 1100, Portland, OR, 97204. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Ball Janik LLP
One Main Place, 101 SW Main Street, Suite 1100
Portland, OR 97204
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Phillip E. Joseph — 4.6/5 rating from 24 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Phillip. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing construction attorneys in Portland.
4.6
24 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Phillip E. Joseph claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Phillip E. Joseph — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new construction attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Phillip usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Phillip charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Phillip's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Phillip will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a construction attorney in Portland, Oregon
A short list to run through before you commit: How many construction matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Phillip
Phillip discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in construction practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every construction matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Phillip confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Phillip's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many construction practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Phillip E. Joseph
How much does it cost to hire Phillip for a construction case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Phillip walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Phillip offer a free consultation?
Phillip charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Phillip's office. Some construction attorneys offer free consults — check Phillip's current terms during booking.
How long do construction cases in Oregon typically take?
Simple construction matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Phillip gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Phillip take my case if I'm outside Portland?
Phillip is licensed in Oregon. Matters governed by Oregon law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Phillip will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Phillip?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Phillip will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Phillip accepting new construction clients right now?
Phillip's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Construction attorneys serving Portland, Salem and Eugene in Oregon
Phillip handles construction matters throughout Oregon. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified construction attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Phillip's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these construction attorneys in Portland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.