Joseph M. Hanna

Joseph M. Hanna

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Joseph Hanna is a partner of the firm and concentrates his practice in commercial litigation with a focus on sports and entertainment law, construction litigation and intellectual property law. He is the Chair of Goldberg Segalla's diversity task force and the President of the Minority Bar Association of Western New York, Inc. Joe graduated cum laude from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law and summa cum laude from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

In 2010, Joe was awarded the New York State Bar Association Outstanding Young Lawyer Award for his efforts to enhance diversity in the legal profession and effective leadership in community activities. The award is presented annually to a young lawyer who has rendered outstanding service to both the community and the legal profession and has a distinguished record of commitment to the finest traditions of the New York State Bar through public service and professional activities. Joe also received the prestigious 40 Under Forty award given to Western New York's best and brightest future leaders in the community.

As Chair of Goldberg Segalla's diversity task force, Joe's dedication to diversity is demonstrated in his leadership in various organizations and outreach programs as well as the recognition he has received for his efforts, including the 2012 New York State Bar Association Diversity Trailblazer Award. In 2011, he was elected President of the Minority Bar Association of Western New York (MBAWNY). In addition, he organizes and Chairs Success in the City, a diversity networking event geared toward bringing together business, corporate and community leaders, corporate counsel, local politicians and members of minority bar associations to celebrate the successes and critical importance of diversity in Buffalo's developing community. This event serves as a model for other cities aiming to promote inclusive and diverse professional communities. The 2011 Success in the City had nearly 500 attendees. Joe received the MBAWNY Community Service Award for his leadership in making diversity and inclusion in Western New York a focal point through Success in the City and working with inner city students to help better their lives.

In 2007, Joe was named DRI's Young Lawyer of the Year for Outstanding Service for his work on the organization's Young Lawyer Committee. Joe was awarded this distinction and honor for his commitment to diversity in organizing various minority bar programs throughout the country, authoring articles on minority attorney retention and spearheading the creation of a comprehensive database of over 500 minority law organizations which have been established throughout the United States.

Joe is also the Founder and President of Bunkers in Baghdad, Inc. Bunkers in Baghdad is a non-profit that collects and ships new and used golf equipment to our brave soldiers around the world, including Iraq, Afghanistan and eight other countries for recreational purposes. Bunkers also distributes equipment to wounded warriors all throughout the United States to aid in their rehabilitation, such as Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, Fort Drum and VA hospitals throughout the country. The charity works with school children across the country who pack each box with balls, cards and letters they write to the soldiers. The "Bunkers Buddies" program is especially rewarding for the soldiers, and for the students themselves. Bunkers in Baghdad has collected over 2.6 million golf balls and 57,000 golf clubs for our troops and veterans. In recognition of Bunkers in Baghdad's contributions, Joe received a Daily Point of Light Award, a national recognition program created by the George H.W. Bush administration to honor individuals and groups for making meaningful change in their communities through voluntary action, in 2011.

As a member of the American Bar Association (ABA), Joe was chosen to participate in the prestigious Young Lawyer Leadership Program (YLLP). He was named American Bar Association's Outstanding Chair of 2010 for his work on the ABA's Minority Trial Lawyer Committee and is the Editor-in-Chief of the ABA's Minority Trial Lawyer newsletter. 

Professional Affiliations
  • Minority Bar Association of Western New York, President 2011
  • American Bar Association
    • Vice Chair, Arts, Entertainment and Sports Law Section, 2012
    • Content Management Committee, 2011
    • Editor-In-Chief, Minority Trial Lawyer, 2010
    • Section of Litigation, Young Lawyer Leadership Program (YLLP)
    • ABA Judicial Internship Opportunity Working Group
    • ABA Judicial Internship Opportunity Screening Committee
    • Section of Litigation
    • Young Lawyers Division, Vice Chair, Minorities in the Profession Committee, 2006-2008
  • New York State Bar Association: Fellow, New York State Bar Foundation
  • Sports Lawyers Association: Committee, Annual Meeting Current Events, 2010
  • Defense Research Institute  
    • Marketing Vice-Chair, 2012 Annual Meeting
    • Atlantic Marketing Chair, 2007 Annual Meeting
    • New York Marketing Chair, 2008, 2009 Annual Meeting
    • Young Lawyers Committee: Chair, Seminar Planning Committee, 2010-2011; Chair, Minority Outreach Subcommittee, 2006-2009; Liaison to Fidelity and Surety Committee, 2006-2008; Liaison to Diversity Law Committee, 2006-2009
    • Diversity Committee: Chair, Outreach Subcommittee, 2008-2010
    • Commercial Litigation Committee; Liaison to Diversity Law Committee, 2007-2009
    • Construction Law Committee: Seminar Marketing Chair, 2010; Liaison to Diversity Law Committee, 2009-2011
    • Pro Bono and Public Service Committee
    • Annual Meeting Steering Committee, Marketing Subcommittee, 2012-2013
  • District of Columbia Bar Association
  • Bar Association of Erie County: Judiciary Committee, 2012-2013
Honors — Legal and Community Service
  • Value Award for Diversity, Leadership Buffalo, 2012
  • New York State Bar Association Diversity Trailblazer Award, 2012
  • National Federation for Just Communities of Western New York Legal Community Leader Award, 2012
  • Selected for inclusion in Business First's Who's Who in Law, for Entertainment and Sports and Commercial Litigation (2007-2011)
  • Defense Research Institute's Community Service Award, 2011
  • 22nd Annual University at Buffalo Law School Students of Color Trailblazer Award, 2011
  • Daily Point of Light Award
  • 40 Under Forty Award, Business First, 2010
  • American Bar Association's Outstanding Chair for 2010
  • 2010 New York State Bar Association Outstanding Young Lawyer Award
  • The President's Volunteer Service Award, 2010
  • Fellow of the New York State Bar Foundation
  • Buffalo Niagara Human Resource Association (BNHRA) Diversity Excellence Award
  • Minority Bar Association of Western New York, Inc. 2009 MBAWNY Community Service Award
  • New York State Bar Association featured article of the month, “The NFL v. Cable Television: Which Heavyweight Will Be Left Standing?,” May 2008
  • Leader Spotlight, DRI's The Voice, April, 2008
  • The American Bar Association magazine General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Division named “Beware of Dawg, Beware of Owner, Too” the best intellectual property article published in 2006
  • DRI's Young Lawyer of the Year Award for Outstanding Service, 2007
Recognition for Bunkers in Baghdad
  • Certificate of Appreciation from the 54th Signal Battalion, Camp Arifjan, Voice of the Desert
  • Certificate of Appreciation from the 940th Military Police Company (Combat Support), Camp Liberty, Iraq
  • American Patriot Award, Army National Guard
  • Certificate of Appreciation from the United States Army 116th Brigade Special Troops Battalion Headquarters
  • Certificate of Appreciation, 2nd Battalion 11th Field Artillery Regiment
  • U.S. Marines, Operation Iraqi Freedom Shock and Awe Award of Excellence
  • Certificate of Appreciation, Task Force Troy United States Division-South 84th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion
  • Balad Air Base, Iraq, Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Support to the 332 Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom
  • Fort Leavenworth Outstanding Performance Award Presented by the Command Sergeant Major
  • Fort Jackson Garrison Commander's Award for Excellence for Outstanding Performance
  • 122nd Signal Battalion 2D Infantry Division "Voice of the Warrior" Award
  • Fort Drum 10th Mountain Division Climb to Glory Award Presented by the Commanding General for Excellence
  • Department of Defense Office of Military Commissions, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Defending the Rule of Law Award
  • Marine Corps Recruiting Command, Commanding General's Award for Uncommon Leadership
  • United States Army 12th Psychological Operations Battalions Certificate of Appreciation
  • United States Army Freedom Team Salute Commendation
  • Certificate of Appreciation, United States Army 116th Brigade Special Troops Battalion Headquarters
Admitted to Practice
  • New York
  • U.S. District Court, Western, Southern, Eastern, Northern Districts of New York
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of New York
  • District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
  • U.S. Supreme Court
Civic Activities
  • Founder, President, Bunkers in Baghdad Troop Program
  • Chairperson, Success in the City, Diversity Networking Event
  • Guest Lecturer, University at Buffalo School of Law
  • Guest Lecturer, School of Law - Loyola University, Chicago
  • Board of Directors, Minority Bar Association Foundation, Inc.
  • Member, Leadership Buffalo, (Rising Leaders - 2007)
  • Licensed Mediator, Erie County Family Court and Better Business Bureau
  • Coach, Mathewson-McCarthy Babe Ruth Youth Baseball League, Amherst, New York
  • University at Buffalo, Mentoring Program
  • Speaker, Buffalo Prep
Prior Experience
  • Law Clerk, Texas Court of Appeals and Texas District Court
Languages
  • Arabic
Education
  • State University of New York at Buffalo, dual B.A. degrees, summa cum laude, 2002
  • State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2005
Publications/Presentations
  • Quoted in "Charity Provides Donated Golf Balls and Clubs for Troops," USA Today, April 1, 2012
  • Featured in “A Slice of Home,” Buffalo Spree, March 2012
  • Quoted in "'Bunkers' Adds Partner; Nears 3 Million Balls,"Buffalo Law Journal, January 23, 2012
  • Presenter, "The Sports Product Licensing Game," SUNY Buffalo Law School Graduates of the Last Decade Group, January 18, 2012
  • Author, "More Than Just a Game: Former Players' Suits Against the NCAA and Electronic Arts Could Have Serious Consequences," NYSBA Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law Journal, Fall/Winter 2011
  • Co-Author, “Getting in the Game: 2011 Report Shows Ups, Downs in Pro Sports Diversity,” Sports Litigation Alert, December 30, 2011
  • Featured in "Three Trailblazers to Receive Diversity Awards," NYSBA State Bar News, December 2011 
  • Author, "Influence Your Verdict by Changing Jurors' Perceptions of Expert Witnesses, Part Two,"ABA's Minority Trial Lawyer, Fall 2011
  • Presenter, "Speeding from Victory Lane to the Check-Out Lane: An Inside Look at the Big Business of Sports Product Licensing," DRI Annual Meeting, October 27, 2011
  • Speaker, Explore Law Program, University at Buffalo School of Law, October 12, 2011
  • Speaker, Motivational Speakers Panel, "Getting Ahead in School, Work and Life," Hilbert College, October 3, 2011
  • Quoted in “Legal Profession Takes Leadership Role in WNY,”Business First, September 23, 2011
  • Speaker, Best Practices Panel, ABA Fall Leadership Meeting, September 23, 2011 
  • Speaker at the Students of Color Kick-Off Event, University at Buffalo School of Law, September 10, 2011
  • Quoted in “Collaboration Opens Doors for Minority Students,”Business First, August 26, 2011
  • Author, "Influence Your Verdict by Changing Jurors' Perceptions of Expert Witnesses, Part One,"ABA's Minority Trial Lawyer, Summer 2011
  • Speaker, "Careers in the Law - How We Got Here and Why," Buffalo Prep, August 12, 2011
  • Quoted in “Bunkers' Golf Program Hits a Landmark Number,”Business First, July 22, 2011
  • Co-Author, “Defining Limits on Right of Publicity for Student-Athletes,” Buffalo Law Journal, July 18, 2011
  • Co-Author, "NFL Scores Its First 'A' on Diversity Report Card, Yet Still Remains at the Back of the Class," The Business Suit, Defense Research Institute, May 2011
  • Co-Author, "The NFL's Diversity Report Card," ABA's Minority Trial Lawyer, Spring 2011
  • Presenter, "The Sports Product Licensing Game: From Amateurs to Professionals, Everybody Wants to Play," Loyola University School of Law, April 19, 2011
  • Presenter, "Preparing to Practice: A Primer for Young Lawyers," Erie County Bar Association, March 24, 2011
  • Presenter, "Careers in Law: Traditional & New Opportunities," WNY Pre-Law Success Initiative, March 9, 2011
  • Presenter, "What Do Real Lawyers Do?," Co-Sponsored by AALSA and LALSA, March 1, 2011
  • Co-Author, "Taking Depositions Through an Interpreter," ABA's Minority Trial Lawyer, Winter 2011
  • Presenter, "A Power Shift, Client Development in the Age of Obama," American Bar Association Annual Meeting, August 2010
  • Co-Author, "Decisive Moves Still Necessary to Promote Minority Partners,"ABA's Minority Trial Lawyer, Summer 2010
  • Presenter, "Networking - A Professionals Advice on How to Work the Room," University at Buffalo School of Law
  • Guest Lecturer, "The Business of Sports Licensing Agreements," Loyola University Chicago School of Law, March 2010
  • Guest Speaker,  "Bunkers in Baghdad and its Affects on our United States Military Golf," Buffalo District Golf Association
  • Speaker, "Being a Diverse Attorney in Western New York," Minority Bar Association Task Force, Lafayette High School, Buffalo Public School, February 2010
  • Co-Author,  New York Chapter, "Construction Litigation Desk Reference: A State by State Compendium, The DRI Defense Library Series, 2010
  • Speaker, "Diversity in the Law: Being a Diverse Lawyer in the United States," College Mont La Salle, Ain Saade, Lebanon, August 2009
  • Co-Author, A Unique Opportunity: Evaluating Your Firm’s Diversity Initiatives, For the Defense, Defense Research Institute, July 2009
  • Speaker, "Diversity in Western New York: The Change We Need to Continue Moving Forward," Bryant & Stratton Speaker Series, June 2009
  • Co-Author, The Advancement of Minority Coaches in Professional Athletics, ABA's Minority Trial Lawyer, Spring 2009
  • Presenter, "The Sports Product Licensing Game - From Amateurs to Professionals, Everybody Wants to Play," DRI Commercial and Intellectual Property Litigation Symposium, Chicago, IL, Spring 2009
  • Co-Author, What Lies Beneath: The Gathering Storm of Chinese Drywall Defect Claims, For the Defense, Defense Research Institute, June 2009
  • Co-Author, Drywall from China leads to glut of claims, Buffalo Law Journal, May 2009
  • Author and Presenter, The Sports Product Licensing Game - From Amateurs to Professionals, Everybody Wants to Play, DRI Commercial and Intellectual Property Litigation Symposium, Chicago, IL, Spring 2009
  • Speaker, "Personal Education and Lifetime Success", Bryant & Stratton College Brown Bag Luncheon Series, February 2009
  • Participant, "Executives Unplugged," Buffalo Niagara Partnership, January 2009
  • Presenter, "Diversity in the Law: Where Do We Go From Here?" DRI Committee Leadership Conference, January 2009 
  • Co-Author, Diversity Programs: Trends and Strategies for Success, ABA's Minority Trial Lawyer, 2009
  • Co-Author, Nanotechnology: Something So Little Should Not Be Allowed to Get Too Big!, 2009
  • Co-Author, Second Circuit Changes the Civil Rights Claim Game with Its Ruling in Holcomb v. Iona College, NYSBA Perspective, Fall 2008
  • Author, Successful Strategies for Implementing an Effective Diversity Program at Your Law Firm, DRI, The Business Suit, September 2008
  • Co-Author, Construction Defect Litigation: The Impact of the Lamar Homes and J.S.U.B. Decisions, DRI, The Critical Path, September 2008
  • Author, Firm Diversity Starts with an Honest Assessment, Buffalo Law Journal, September 18, 2008
  • Author, Studies Highlight Need for Greater Diversity, Buffalo Law Journal, September 15, 2008
  • Presenter, New York State Senate, Young Adult Professional Forum, July 2008
  • Co-Author, DRI Trade Secret Compendium, New York Chapter, 2008
  • Author, The NFL v. Cable Television: Which Heavyweight Will Be Left Standing?, DRI's Commercial Litigation Committee Publication, The Business Suit, January 2008; NYSBA Perspective, Spring, 2008; Entertainment and Sports Lawyer, Spring 2008
  • Co-Author, Trade Secret Privilege, DRI Young Lawyer Compendium, 2008
  • Author, Strengthening Your Firm's Commitment to its Diversity Initiative, ABA's Minority Trial Lawyer, 2008
  • Author, Assessing the Diversity Issue in the Legal Business, DRI's Young Lawyer Committee Newsletter, The Whisper, May 2008
  • Co-Author, Can 'Ahlborn' Apply to Medicaid, Workers' Comp Liens?, New York Law Journal, May 2008
  • Author, Acushnet Misses the Cut in its Battle with Callaway over Titleist Pro VI Patents, DRI's Commercial Litigation Committee Publication, The Business Suit, June 2008
  • Co-Author, Breaking the Bank(ruptcy Code)? Terminating Surety and Fidelity Bonds, For the Defense, Defense Research Institute, March 2008
  • Co-Author, Topps Turns the Lights Out on Cool Papa Bell, NYSBA Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law Journal, Summer 2008
  • Co-Author, "Set-Offs Available Under General Obligations Law §15-108," New York State Bar Association Post Trial Practice and Procedures Book, 2008
  • Co-Author, "Will the Change to General Obligations Law §15-108 Promote More Settlements?", New York State Bar Association Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Journal, Spring 2008
  • Co-Author, Intellectual Property, Chapter, DRI Young Lawyer's Form Book, 2008
  • Co-Author, Terminating Surety and Fidelity Bonds Upon the Insolvency or Bankruptcy of the Principal, NYSBA NY Business Law Journal, Spring 2008
  • Co-Author, The Rangers' Gloves are Off in a Digital Tussle with the NHL, NYSBA Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law Journal, Spring, 2008; Entertainment and Sports Lawyer, Winter 2008
  • Co-Author, Frye 'Em: Jury Psychology Can Undermine Plaintiff's Expert Witnesses, For the Defense, Defense Research Institute, December 2007
  • Presenter, "International Law: A Young Lawyer's Experience," Annual International Law Student Association Symposium, University at Buffalo School of Law, November 2007
  • Presenter, International Law: A Young Lawyer's Experience, Annual International Law Student Association Symposium, University at Buffalo School of Law, November, 2007
  • Co-Author, Guide to New York Commercial Evictions, 2007
  • Author, Court Erases Cablevision's DVR Plans, DRI, The Business Suit, July 2007
  • Co-Author, Causes of Action in Construction Defect Litigation, DRI Construction Law Compendium, 2007
  • Co-Author, Bad Faith: The Admissibility of Expert Testimony and the Challenges that Follow, FDCC, 2007
  • Co-Author, Store Owner's Rights When Faced with Shoplifting: A State by State Review, April 2007
  • Author, Interception! CBS Throws Into Coverage and Loses, DRI, The Business Suit, April 2007
  • Author, Brent Jones Scores a Touchdown in a Big Victory Over CBS, Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law Journal, Spring 2007; DRI, The Business Suit, 2007; New York State Bar Association Perspective, Spring 2007
  • Author, Fostering Diversity in the Legal Profession: Moving Beyond the Rhetoric, DRI, For the Defense, May 2007
  • Author, Beware of the Dawg; Beware of Owner Too. Cleveland Fights for Its Beloved Dawg Pound and Wins, IPL Newsletter, A publication of The ABA Section of Intellectual Property Law, Summer 2006; Entertainment and Sports Lawyer, A Publication of the ABA Forum on Entertainment and Sports Industries, Summer 2006; DRI's Commercial Litigation Committee Publication, The Business Suit, July 2006
  • Co-Author, Expert's Concept: Has it Been Tested?, DRI, Daubert Compendium, December 2006
  • Author, U.S. Rhetoric Not Enough to Save the Crown Jewel of the Middle East, AnNahar Newspaper, November 2006
  • Co-Author, Addressing the Psychology of Post-Enron Jurors - Cross Examination Techniques that Pay Off, DRI Fire and Casualty Seminar, November 2006
  • Author, Dealer Protection Laws: Shields, Not Swords, DRI's Commercial Litigation Committee publication, The Business Suit, March 2006
  • Author,Truck Dealership Agreements: Termination Issues, Defense Research Institute E-Newsletter, 2006
  • Author, Riding the Bus: Bus Company's Duty of Care to a Waiting Customer, In Transit, Defense Research Institute E-Newsletter, 2006
  • Author, One Un-Unified Region: The City of Buffalo and its Many Competing Parts, Race and Regionalism in Western New York, 2005
  • Editor, It's Broke, Lets Fix It: Erie County - City of Buffalo Consolidated Government, A Collection of Articles Reviewing Consolidation and Regional Restructuring
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