Joe McGovern practices in the general liability area and has extensive experience litigating high-exposure personal injury claims in New York and Connecticut state and federal trial and appellate courts. Joe has tried civil actions in New York State Supreme Court and has argued before the Appellate Division, First and Second Departments, and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

Currently, Joe focuses on the defense of building owners, contractors and subcontractors in personal injury claims under New York Labor Law arising from accidents on construction sites. He also has a strong background defending title holders such as banks and leasing companies in automobile liability claims alleging catastrophic injury and wrongful death. Other areas in which Joe has experience include premises liability claims, property and replevin actions, employment discrimination cases and antitrust matters. In addition to defending insureds, Joe frequently provides coverage opinions, analyzes policies and defenses, and monitors litigation on behalf of excess carriers.

Joe began his professional life as a writer and editor, including positions with PepsiCo’s public affairs department. His ability to find, organize and present information in its clearest form also has been a key asset in his legal career, as evidenced by the numerous successful summary judgment motions and appellate briefs he has written and argued. As an example, Joe wrote the prevailing appellate brief submitted to the Connecticut Supreme Court in the case of Wesley v. Schaller Subaru, Inc. (277 Conn. 526 [2005]), an important case on contract reformation and the law of agency. He has 24 published appellate decisions.