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Biography

Joe Leonoro focuses his practice in labor and employment law and has significant experience preparing cases for trial.  Joe has represented companies in defense of claims involving state and federal employment laws. He works aggressively to tailor a strategy for each client's litigation needs. Joe also counsels employers, prior to litigation, in order to resolve labor and employment disputes they encounter. 

Memberships & Awards

Professional
The Best Lawyers in America®, Employment Law - Management (2021-Present), Litigation - Labor and Employment (2021-Present)
Member, American Inn of Courts
Board Member, Public Defender Corporation for the 13th Judicial Circuit (Kanawha County, WV)
Past President, Kanawha County Bar Association
Executive Article Selection Editor and Member of Executive Committee, West Virginia Law Review
The Order of the Coif, West Virginia University College of Law (2007)
CALI Excellence Award for highest grades in employment law, employment discrimination, business organizations, and criminal procedure
Graduated magna cum laude, Transylvania University (2004)

Key Experience

Defended employers in wage-and-hour class actions and collective actions under the Fair Labor Standards Act, West Virginia Wage Payment and Collection Act, Prevailing Wage Act, and other wage-and-hour statutes in Texas, West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee; conducted audits and provided wage-and-hour advice under the FLSA and numerous state laws relating to overtime, minimum wage, and joint-employment relationships, among other issues
Represented employers in state and federal court in claims for discrimination and retaliation under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the State Workers Act; Compensation Act, the State Human Rights Act, the State Patient Safety Act, and Harless claims for retaliation
Sought injunctive relief and damages for violation of non-compete and non-solicitation agreements

Work Experience

2007 Steptoe & Johnson PLLC