Litigation practice partner J.J. Richardson firmly believes that a good attorney possesses three essential qualities: exceptional listening skills, outstanding organizational ability, and an unwavering focus on achieving the desired result. J.J. adeptly employs these skills to resolve conflicts in cases, as demonstrated by his career-defining achievement of obtaining a seven-figure settlement for a family who fell victim to random gun violence in a public venue. According to J.J., “I identify the most favorable strategies and tactics to achieve optimal outcomes for my clients.”
Focus:
While J.J. provides general business and employment law counseling to businesses of all sizes, his primary practice centers around general civil litigation. This area of expertise includes:
- Commercial Litigation
- Bankruptcy Litigation
- Personal Injury & Property Damage Litigation
- Employment Litigation
- Zoning & Land Use
In 2014, J.J. received a nomination from the Mayor and confirmation from the City Council of the City of Pittsburgh for a position on the City’s three-member Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA). As a member of the ZBA, J.J. conducts zoning hearings and makes rulings on hundreds of applications for variances and special exceptions from the Pittsburgh Zoning Code each year. Outside of the City boundaries, J.J. counsels, advises, and represents real estate developers and individual landowners on zoning and land use matters.
He Represents:
J.J. has successfully represented clients across various 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:
At John Carroll University, J.J.’s academic advisor, Dr. Joseph Miller, was the first person to suggest law school to him. J.J. acknowledges the significance of heeding that advice, stating, “I’m immensely grateful for listening to him, as being a trial lawyer has proven to be an enthralling and fulfilling career so far.”
- 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:
A detail-oriented and well-prepared attorney, J.J. has argued cases, conducted evidentiary hearings, and made motions in various state and federal trial courts in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. He has also presented 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
Community Involvement:
- Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh: J.J. serves as a “Big Brother” and was the Past President of the Board of Directors from 2016 to 2017. He has been a board member since 2009 and was honored as the Pennsylvania Big Brother Of The Year in 2019.
- Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project: Former Board Member
- Pittsburgh Cares: Former Board Member, President (2010-2011)