Litigation practice partner J.J. Richardson believes there are three essential qualities to being a good attorney: outstanding listening skills, exceptional organizational ability, and staying focused on the desired result. J.J. employs all of these skills when resolving conflicts in cases, and in one of his career-defining moments, obtained a seven-figure settlement for a family who were the innocent victims of random gun violence in a public venue. “I identify the best strategies and tactics to achieve the most favorable outcome for clients,” says J.J.
Focus:
While he provides general business and employment law counseling to businesses of all sizes, J.J.’s primary practice focus is in the area of general civil litigation, which includes:
- Commercial Litigation
- Bankruptcy Litigation
- Personal Injury & Property Damage Litigation
- Employment Litigation
- Zoning & Land Use
In 2014, J.J. was nominated by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council of the City of Pittsburgh to a position on the City’s three-member Zoning Board of Adjustment. As a member of the ZBA, J.J. conducts zoning hearings and rules on hundreds of applications for variances and special exceptions from the Pittsburgh Zoning Code each year. In his private practice, J.J. counsels, advises and represents real estate developers and individual landowners on zoning and land use matters outside of the City boundaries.
He Represents:
J.J. has represented clients in a variety of industries, including:
- Real estate development
- Oil & gas
- Manufacturing
- Consumer products
- Sports equipment
- Infant and juvenile products
- Industrial equipment and machinery
- Nursing homes
- Insurance carriers
- School districts and municipalities
Education:
J.J.’s academic advisor at John Carroll University, Dr. Joseph Miller, was the first person to suggest law school to him. “I’m very glad I listened to his advice because being a trial lawyer has been a fascinating and rewarding career thus far,” says J.J.
- John Carroll University (B.A. in Communication, cum laude, 1997)
- University of Pittsburgh (School of Law, J.D., 2000)
- Notes Editor of the University of Pittsburgh Journal of Law and Commerce
Admissions:
This detail-oriented and well-prepared attorney has tried cases, conducted evidentiary hearings and argued motions in various state and federal trial courts in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. He has argued appeals before the Pennsylvania Superior Court.
J.J. is admitted to practice before the following courts:
- Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
- Supreme Court of Ohio
- Supreme Court of West Virginia
- United States District Courts for the Western, Middle, and Eastern Districts of Pennsylvania
- United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
- United States District Court for the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio
- United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Ohio
- United States District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia
- United States Bankruptcy Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
- United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
Affiliations & Memberships:
- American Bar Association
- Pennsylvania Bar Association
- Ohio Bar Association
- Allegheny County Bar Association
- Pittsburgh Zoning Board of Adjustment
- Claims and Litigation Management Alliance
- Defense Research Institute
- Member of the Commercial Litigation Committee of DRI
Community Involvement:
- Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh: “Big Brother” and Past President of the Board of Directors, 2016-2017 (Board Member since 2009)(Pennsylvania Big Brother Of The Year in 2019)
- Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project: Former Board Member
- Pittsburgh Cares: Former Board Member (President: 2010-2011)