How much does it cost to hire Joseph for a construction case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joseph walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Joseph offer a free consultation?

Joseph charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph's office. Some construction attorneys offer free consults — check Joseph's current terms during booking.

How long do construction cases in Florida typically take?

Simple construction matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Joseph gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Joseph take my case if I'm outside Tampa?

Joseph is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Joseph will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Joseph?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Joseph will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Joseph accepting new construction clients right now?

Joseph's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Joseph A. Hess, Construction Attorney in Tampa, Florida

Over 32 years of legal practice · focused on Construction, General, and Insurance

Special CounselatMarshall Dennehey

Tampa, FL

Practicing construction in Tampa since 1994.

32+: Years practicing
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Construction General Insurance Litigation Maritime

Are you Joseph A. Hess?

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Quick answer

Joseph A. Hess is a special counsel based in Tampa, FL. The practice focuses on Construction, General, and Insurance. Joseph has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Marshall Dennehey.

Based in: Tampa, FL
Experience: over 32 years
Known for: Construction · General · Insurance

Handles Construction, General, and Insurance matters from Tampa, FL.
Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Joseph takes on

Joseph concentrates on construction, general, insurance, litigation, and maritime. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joseph handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Construction cases in Tampa, Florida

Joseph takes construction matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.

General cases in Tampa, Florida

Joseph takes general matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Tampa, Florida

Joseph takes insurance matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Tampa, Florida

Joseph takes litigation matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.

Maritime cases in Tampa, Florida

Joseph takes maritime matters in Tampa, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Joseph A. Hess — construction lawyer in Tampa

Joe Hess is a member of the firm’s Casualty Department. He focuses his practice in the areas of insurance defense, insurance coverage, property and casualty, construction negligence, commercial litigation, and admiralty and maritime claims. Joe also has extensive experience in federal court actions, including practicing before numerous federal bankruptcy and district courts, as well as the U.S. Courts of Appeal.

Joe is admitted in Florida and New York. He is also admitted to the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Districts of New York and the U.S. Courts of Appeal for the Second and Fourth Circuits.

As prior Consumer Financial Services Litigation & Compliance Counsel to the firm, Joe provided a full spectrum of litigation services to financial institutions, creditors, debt collectors, finance companies, insurance companies and other institutions in defense of claims brought under myriad federal consumer financial statutes, including the Federal Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. In the area of Bankruptcy Litigation, Joe is a former partner of one of the nation's preeminent law firms with respect to bankruptcy avoidance issues, and has extensive experience prosecuting and defending preference and fraudulent transfer actions.

Thought Leadership

On the Pulse…Steady Guidance in a Changing Landscape: A Profile of Consumer Financial Services Litigation and Compliance Practice Group • New York Consumer Financial Services Litigation & Compliance • September 1, 2017

Defense Digest, Vol. 23, No. 3, September 2017 By Joseph A. Hess, Esq.* Defense Digest, Vol. 23, No. 3, September 2017. Defense Digest is prepared by Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman & Goggin to provide information on recent legal developments of interest to our readers.

Publications

"Prosecuting Preference Actions Post-BAPCPA: Another View Toward a Reliable Statistical Model," ABI Journal, Dec/Jan 2006

Associations & Memberships

ACA International - The Association of Credit and Collection Professionals

American Association of Law Librarians

American Bankruptcy Institute

NARCA - The National Creditors Bar Association

New York Bar Association

Year Joined

2020

Joseph's approach to construction cases

The kind of cases Joseph takes

Joseph reviews new inquiries case-by-case for construction, general, and insurance matters in Tampa and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center
J.D. · 1993
Catholic University of America
MSLS · 2000

Jurisdictions

Joseph's state bar admissions

Florida
2022 · ACTIVE
New York
1994 · ACTIVE

Joseph studied at J.D. in Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center and MSLS in Catholic University of America.

Law school and academic background

Joseph completed J.D. in Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center and MSLS in Catholic University of America. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joseph runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Joseph's professional memberships and bar associations

New York Bar Association
membership

Locations

Joseph A. Hess's office in Tampa

Joseph's primary office is at 201 E. Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 1100, Tampa, FL, 33602. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Marshall Dennehey

201 E. Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 1100

Tampa, FL 33602

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Joseph A. Hess

Joseph has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Joseph A. Hess — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new construction attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Joseph usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Joseph charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Joseph will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a construction attorney in Tampa, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many construction matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Joseph

Joseph discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in construction practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every construction matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Joseph confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Joseph's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many construction practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Joseph A. Hess

How much does it cost to hire Joseph for a construction case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joseph walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Joseph offer a free consultation?
Joseph charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph's office. Some construction attorneys offer free consults — check Joseph's current terms during booking.
How long do construction cases in Florida typically take?
Simple construction matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Joseph gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Joseph take my case if I'm outside Tampa?
Joseph is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Joseph will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Joseph?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Joseph will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Joseph accepting new construction clients right now?
Joseph's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Construction attorneys serving Tampa, Miami and Orlando in Florida

Joseph handles construction matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified construction attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Joseph's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these construction attorneys in Tampa handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.