Joel E. Roberts

Partner

Orlando
T +1.407.649.4082
F +1.407.841.0168

Overview

Joel Roberts serves as BakerHostetler's Aerospace and Defense Industry team co-leader. He is a civil trial lawyer who focuses his practice on eminent domain, commercial litigation, construction litigation and government contracts law. For more than 10 years, Joel has represented property owners and condemning authorities in eminent domain matters.

Joel also maintains a very active commercial litigation practice, where he focuses on representing defense contractors and design and construction firms in various government contracting, professional liability, construction defect and general business matters. Joel's broad litigation background greatly enhances his ability to represent property owners involved in property rights litigation.

Joel is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and served as an officer in the U.S. Army. Joel currently serves as chairman of the board of a national consulting and engineering firm focusing on defense and public sector projects. Joel's diverse professional experiences provide him with a rich understanding of the challenges facing individuals and businesses, enhancing the advice and representation he is able to provide. Joel holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has been recognized as a "Legal Elite" by Florida Trend and a Florida "Super Lawyer."

Select Experience

  • Resolved an inverse condemnation case in favor of the property owner, requiring a government entity to clear drainage ditches and canals to allow water to drain based on historic drainage maps. Client was also awarded its fees and costs.
  • Obtained a settlement with the federal government for a property owner of more than $3 million on a crop insurance claim. Sued and tried the involved insurance agent for the remainder of the claim, securing an $850,000 result, including attorneys' fees and costs.
More »

Experience

  • Resolved an inverse condemnation case in favor of the property owner, requiring a government entity to clear drainage ditches and canals to allow water to drain based on historic drainage maps. Client was also awarded its fees and costs.
  • Obtained a settlement with the federal government for a property owner of more than $3 million on a crop insurance claim. Sued and tried the involved insurance agent for the remainder of the claim, securing an $850,000 result, including attorneys' fees and costs.
  • Obtained a summary judgment ruling in a height ordinance case that allowed a developer client to construct a condominium in excess of height restrictions.
  • Successfully represented a client in a patent and trade secret dispute resulting in an award in excess of $4.5 million.

Recognitions and Memberships

Recognitions

  • The Best Lawyers in America® (2023 to Present)
    • Florida: Commercial Litigation
  • Martindale-Hubbell: AV Preeminent
  • Orlando Business Journal "Veteran of Influence" (2018)
  • Florida Trend "Legal Elite" (2010 to 2012)
  • Florida "Super Lawyer" (2011 to 2020)
  • "Million Dollar Advocate" having successfully obtained a client an award in excess of $1,000,000 (2004)
  • U.S. News & World Reports: Past member of the "Law Firm of the Year" for Eminent Domain and Condemnation (2013)

Memberships

  • American Bar Association
  • The Florida Bar
    • Eminent Domain Standing Committee: Member
  • Orange County Bar Association
  • Eminent Domain SuperConference: Co-Chair (2007 to 2008)
  • AMEC Federal Programs: Chairman of the Board (2012)
  • Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Community

  • Florida Citrus Sports: Former Board Member
  • Service Academy Selection Board for U.S. Congressman John Mica, Seventh District of Florida
  • West Point Society of Central Florida
  • Dommerich Foundation Fund, Inc. (supporting Dommerich Elementary)
    • President (2012)
    • Co-Founder and Treasurer (October 2009)
  • Winter Park Public Library: Board of Trustees (February 2010)
  • Winter Park Parks & Recreation Commission (May 2010)
  • YMCA Youth Soccer Coach
  • YMCA Youth Basketball Coach
  • Swarm Lacrosse Coach
  • Leadership Orlando: Class 60
  • Leadership Florida: Class XXVI
  • Leadership Winter Park: Class XX

Prior Positions

  • GrayRobinson, PA (2001 to 2014)
    • Nominated as shareholder in 2005

Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
  • Florida

Education

  • J.D., University of Florida Levin College of Law, 1999; with honors; Editor-in-Chief, Florida Law Journal of International Law
  • B.S., International Relations, United States Military Academy at West Point, 1990; Army Crew Team; Intern, Senate Foreign Relations Committee