A nationally recognized litigator, Joseph Duffy defends class actions in US federal and state courts. As co-head of the litigation practice’s Retail Industry Initiative, he focuses on the unique challenges facing retail companies, representing retailers in consumer class actions, contract disputes, and compliance and privacy matters. He also litigates class actions for financial services companies involving lending practices, foreclosure activity, and debt collection. Joseph earned recognition as a Class Actions and Mass Torts “Powerhouse” in BTI’s Litigation Outlook 2014 Report.
In 2013, Law360 named Joseph one of five “Rising Stars” in the nation in the class action category. He was honored by the legal media after helping a global financial services firm defeat class actions over alleged foreclosure and debt collection practices, and for securing a verdict for an international toy retailer in the first consumer class action trial under California’s gift card law. Since that time, he has represented numerous financial services firms and retail clients in a variety of consumer class actions around the country.
His financial industry litigation experience includes defending various claims brought under state and federal statutes around the United States following the recent financial crisis. Joseph also defends a large number of national retailers facing class actions on behalf of consumers related to advertising, pricing, point of sale, privacy, and statutory claims. In addition, he serves as national coordinating and trial counsel in product liability and mass tort litigation, including having served as first- or second-chair trial counsel on more than a dozen cases. He represents chemical, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and construction products companies in product liability matters, including those related to asbestos, silica, and benzene. Joe’s commercial litigation work has also included matters involving employee rights, unfair competition, and OSHA claims.
Outside the courtroom, Joseph advises retailers on gift cards, loyalty programs, sale advertising, and credit card compliance, including Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) issues. An active member of the firm’s food industry program, he also counsels food and retail companies on labeling and warning issues.
Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation, Los Angeles (2023–2025)
Member, Practice Group of the Year, Employment, Law360 (2019)
MVP, Retail & Ecommerce, Law360 (2019)
Rising Star, Class Actions, Law360 (2013)
Member, American Bar Association
Member, Pennsylvania Bar Association
Former President, Pepperdine Univ., International Law Society