After nearly 25 years in client service (the last 12 with Clark Nuber’s State and Local Tax Services group), Joe shifted gears in late 2024 and assumed the role of general counsel. As the head of the firm’s legal function, he is now responsible for managing the strategic and tactical legal initiatives of the firm, including negotiating client engagement agreements and advising firm management on major business transactions and initiatives. Despite the learning curve, Joe enthusiastically embraces his new role. “I love to learn new things, and I love to problem solve. It was a big part of what made me an effective client advisor, and I think it will benefit both me and the firm as I continue to grow in this new role.”

Business Responsibilities

  • Serves as the legal advisor to all levels of the firm, including the shareholders, CEO, and operations leadership
  • Drafts, reviews, and negotiates legal agreements, including client engagement documents and key vendor contracts
  • Coordinates with external counsel as needed on a variety of legal and business matters
  • Assists in managing the firm’s professional and general liability insurance and relationships with insurers and brokers
  • Provides leadership to Clark Nuber shareholders regarding corporate governance and partnership agreement interpretation matters
  • Develops risk management tools, practices, and policies to analyze and report the firm’s enterprise risks

Proven Results

  • Negotiated engagement terms with numerous Clark Nuber clients, including some of the firm’s largest clients.
  • Advised the CEO and the firm’s shareholders on legal, risk management, and compliance-related matters.
  • Negotiated a favorable settlement with taxing authorities on a complex B&O tax apportionment issue for a Fortune 50 company, resulting in substantial recurring tax savings.
  • Obtained positive letter rulings from state taxing authorities on behalf of a broad array of Clark Nuber clients.
  • Implemented restructuring that saved a Washington manufacturer over $1.5 million per year in B&O tax.

Education

  • University of Washington School of Law, LL.M. in Taxation
  • University of Washington School of Law, J.D.
  • Whitman College, B.A. in Environmental Studies and Politics, with Honors; B.A. in German Language and Literature

Activities

  • Former Board Member, Snoqualmie Valley Preservation Alliance
  • Member, Washington State Bar Association
  • Member, California State Bar Association