Joseph D. Hammond

Overview

“He was far and away the most effective defense lawyer on the case. Joe was always fully prepared, down to the smallest detail, and never missed an opportunity. My colleague and I spoke many times about whether we could find a way to settle with Joe’s client so we could get Joe off the case.”

Opposing counsel in a serious product liability matter

Joe Hammond’s favorite part of his job is solving problems for people and businesses. He represents a diverse range of clients in court and also advises them about contracts and risk mitigation (thus providing either the proverbial ounce of prevention, the pound of cure, or both).

A native of Winston-Salem, Joe obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia, where he was an Echols Scholar, and his law degree from New York University School of Law, where he was a Robert McKay Scholar. Joe began his career as an associate in the New York City office of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP. He returned home to North Carolina and joined Ellis & Winters LLP in 2012. A commercial litigator and construction lawyer, his clients range from churches to contractors to conglomerates, and much in between.

In his free time, Joe enjoys spending time with his wife and five children, serving his church, and coaching various middle school soccer and wrestling teams.

Legal Assistant

Lindsay Bray

Direct: 336.389.5691

E-mail: lindsay.bray@elliswinters.com

Credentials

Education

J.D., New York University School of Law, 2006
- Honors: Robert McKay Scholar
- Journal of Law and Liberty, 2005-2006
B.A., University of Virginia, 2001
- Honors: Echols Scholar

Bar Admissions

North Carolina
New York
Texas

Court Admissions

Eastern District of North Carolina
Middle District of North Carolina
Western District of North Carolina
Southern District of New York
Eastern District of New York

Professional Associations and Memberships

DRI
Legatus, Charlotte Chapter
School Leadership Council, Our Lady of Grace School, 2021-2022

Experience

Advised contractors, owners, and architects concerning construction contracts and risk mitigation.
Obtained favorable settlement of serious personal injury claims against multinational manufacturer in plaintiff-friendly venue.
Defended debt buyers in class and individual actions alleging violations of North Carolina debt collection law.
Obtained favorable consent injunction on behalf of employer in dispute with departing employee.
Obtained complete dismissal of claims against Saudi conglomerate in North Carolina Business Court.
Represented general contractors and subcontractors in construction disputes.
Represented business owners in corporate control disputes.
Defended manufacturers against product liability and asbestos-related claims in North Carolina.
Advised businesses concerning risk mitigation and avoidance.
Defended churches and church organizations in civil litigation.

Prior Legal Experience

Associate, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP, 2006-2012

Presentations/Publications

Co-author, Class-Action Practice in North Carolina: 2022 Year in Review, Best in Class blog
Author, North Carolina limits defendants’ ability to “pick off” class claims., Best in Class Blog
Co-author, Swinging Blades, Tripwires, and Zombies, inter alia: the Adventurer’s Guide to Hidden Hazards in Class-Action Defense, American Bar Association, December 2021
Co-author, The Ninth Circuit’s “Tuna Case” Lets Uninjured Class Members Off the Hook at Certification but May Reel in the Supreme Court, American Bar Association, September 2022 (also published in Best in Class blog, available here)

Awards/Recognition

North Carolina Super Lawyers Magazine, “Rising Star,” Civil Litigation: Defense (2017)