How much does it cost to hire Joseph for a civil rights 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 civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Joseph's current terms during booking.

How long do civil rights cases in Florida typically take?

Simple civil rights 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 Orlando?

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 civil rights 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 M. Taraska, Civil Rights Attorney in Orlando, Florida

Over 54 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Class Action, and Commercial RE · 5.0/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews

AttorneyatMorgan & Morgan

Orlando, FL

Practicing civil rights in Orlando since 1972.

54+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 10 client reviews
4: Bar admissions

Practices in

Civil Rights Class Action Commercial RE Estate Litigation General Litigation +7 more →

Are you Joseph M. Taraska?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Joseph M. Taraska is an attorney based in Orlando, FL. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Class Action, and Commercial RE. Joseph has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Morgan & Morgan. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 10 client reviews.

Based in: Orlando, FL
Experience: over 54 years
Known for: Civil Rights · Class Action · Commercial RE

Handles Civil Rights, Class Action, and Commercial RE matters from Orlando, FL.
Over 54 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Joseph's practice areas in Orlando

Joseph concentrates on civil rights, class action, commercial re, estate litigation, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joseph handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Civil Rights cases in Orlando, Florida

Joseph takes civil rights matters in Orlando, 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.

Class Action cases in Orlando, Florida

Joseph takes class action matters in Orlando, 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.

Commercial RE cases in Orlando, Florida

Joseph takes commercial re matters in Orlando, 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.

Estate Litigation cases in Orlando, Florida

Joseph takes estate litigation matters in Orlando, 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 Orlando, Florida

Joseph takes general matters in Orlando, 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

Joseph M. Taraska, civil rights attorney serving Orlando

Joe Taraska graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1969 and was honored with the distinction of being selected as the outstanding cadet in law. Following that, he received his law degree at the University of Pennsylvania. He was then competitively selected for special training at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. He subsequently served as one of six forensic medical/legal consultants for the United States Air Force.

In 1976, Mr. Taraska began a statewide litigation practice in Florida, specializing in the representation of healthcare professionals, hospital and other healthcare organizations and their insurers.

He was a founding partner of Taraska, Grower, Unger and Ketcham, P.A. in Orlando, Florida. He served on the Bioethics Committee of Florida Hospital and as council to the CEO of the Adventist Health Systems/Sunbelt campuses in Central Florida.

In 2009 Mr. Taraska joined Morgan & Morgan, P.A as a senior trial lawyer in complex litigation representing those who have been seriously injured by the negligence of others.

His areas of practice include wrongful death, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, defective products, defective pharmaceuticals, tobacco litigation, civil rights, health law, hospital law, hospital credentialing, hospital bylaws, hospital risk management, state medical licensure, and managed care. He is a member of The Florida Bar, The Pennsylvania Bar, The United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, The United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit and The United States Supreme Court.

Mr. Taraska has written and spoken extensively. He is the author of the 1,500-page text, 'A Legal Guide for Physicians' and various chapters including, 'Death - Withholding and Withdrawing Life Support,' 'Physician Discipline,' 'Preventive Medicine for the Cancer Specialist,' as well as authored 75 articles in health law. In addition to his writing, Mr. Taraska has spoken throughout Florida and the United States.

Mr. Taraska's honors include being board certified as a civil trial lawyer by The Florida Bar since 1984. He has earned the highest national peer review rating 'AV' and was selected as a Florida Super Lawyer by his peers in 2007. He is currently a member of The American Board of Trial Advocates, The Florida Board of Trial Advocates, The Volie A. Williams, American Inns of Court, The American Association for Justice, The Florida Trial Lawyer's Association, and The Florida Bar.

News & Insights

Protecting Florida Medical Plaintiffs’ Access To Courts

Recent Wins

Private Settlement
$2,240,000
Product Liability, Class Action
2018

Private Settlement
$1,300,000
Product Liability
2018

How Joseph handles civil rights matters

Who Joseph represents

Joseph reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, class action, and commercial re matters in Orlando and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Joseph studied and practices

University of Pennsylvania School of Law
J.D. · 1972
U.S. Air Force Academy
B.S. International · 1969

Jurisdictions

Joseph's state bar admissions

U.S. Supreme Court U
1994 · ACTIVE
Florida
1977 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1977 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1972 · ACTIVE

Joseph studied at J.D. in University of Pennsylvania School of Law and B.S. International in U.S. Air Force Academy.

Law school and academic background

Joseph completed J.D. in University of Pennsylvania School of Law and B.S. International in U.S. Air Force Academy. 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.

Recognition

Joseph's legal honors and published work

Joseph has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Joseph's professional memberships and bar associations

Memberships: •American Board of Trial Advocates •Florida Board of Trial Advocates •Volie A
membership
Williams, Jr
membership

Locations

Joseph M. Taraska's office in Orlando

Joseph's primary office is at 20 North Orange Avenue, Suite 1600, Orlando, FL, 32801. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Morgan & Morgan

20 North Orange Avenue, Suite 1600

Orlando, FL 32801

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Joseph M. Taraska — 5.0/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Joseph. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing civil rights attorneys in Orlando.

5.0

10 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Joseph M. Taraska claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Joseph M. Taraska — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new civil rights 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 civil rights attorney in Orlando, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 civil rights practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every civil rights 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 civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Joseph M. Taraska

How much does it cost to hire Joseph for a civil rights 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 civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Joseph's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in Florida typically take?
Simple civil rights 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 Orlando?
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 civil rights clients right now?
Joseph's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Florida residents in the last few months, answered by civil rights attorneys like Joseph M. Taraska. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Is it legal for my landlord to evict me for being LGBTQ in Florida?
I live in a rental property in Miami, FL, and my landlord recently told me I need to move out because of my sexual orientation. This feels discriminatory and I want to fight back.
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Florida
How can I challenge a discriminatory practice in a public school in Tennessee?
My son, who is Hispanic, is being treated unfairly in his public school in Memphis, TN. I believe this is due to discrimination. What legal steps can I take to challenge these prac
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Tennessee
What steps can I take after being denied service due to my religion in Massachusetts?
I was recently denied service at a café in Boston, MA, because of my religious attire. I feel this is a clear violation of my civil rights. What steps can I take legally to address
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Massachusetts
What can I do if a school discriminates against my child in Virginia?
My daughter was not allowed to participate in a school event in Richmond, VA, because of her disability. I feel this is discriminatory. What steps can I take to address this issue
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Virginia
Can I sue for discrimination after being denied a loan in Alabama?
I applied for a small business loan in Birmingham, AL, and was denied despite meeting all qualifications. I suspect my denial was based on my ethnicity. Can I pursue legal action a
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Alabama
How can I seek justice for discrimination in a government agency in Hawaii?
I faced discrimination while applying for services at a government agency in Honolulu, HI. They treated me unfairly due to my cultural background. What legal recourse do I have to
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Hawaii

Areas served

Civil Rights attorneys serving Orlando, Miami and Tampa in Florida

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

More counsel

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

Joseph M. Taraska, Civil Rights Attorney in Orlando, Florida

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