Before starting his own practice, Joel worked for a reputable family law firm in Atlanta, where he represented clients in all matters ranging from uncontested divorces to complex custody disputes and high asset division.

Joel understands every situation is unique and has experience dealing with families from many different backgrounds. He understands taking the time to listen, counseling and collaborating with clients in a strategy is crucial to approaching a successful long-term resolution to family law disputes. Although it may unfortunately not always be possible, Joel believes that establishing rapport with the opposing side and other professionals involved in a divorce and custody dispute and employing alternative dispute resolution methods are key to achieving a successful resolution. Regardless of the situation, Joel is committed to pursuing a favorable outcome for clients with professionalism, integrity, efficiency, and compassion.

Before going into private practice, Joel spent over a decade in the non-profit sector advocating in the courtroom for the most vulnerable Georgians who were unable to afford legal representation in civil litigation.

He began his legal career at the Georgia Law Center for the Homeless where he fought for survivors of intimate partner abuse, minor children and elderly individuals experiencing abuse, disabled veterans experiencing homelessness, and residents of Atlanta facing deplorable housing conditions.

Joel then moved into leadership roles at the Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation (AVLF) where he developed an expertise in family violence litigation and issues of intimate partner abuse in family law. While at AVLF, Joel managed the Fulton County Safe Families Office, the Family Law Program, and the Guardian ad Litem Program. He led a team of attorneys and legal staff in providing outstanding representation to hundreds of individuals experiencing family violence and abuse in matters relating to temporary protective orders, divorces, and custody matters. In addition, he led trainings and provided litigation support to attorneys and law firms throughout Atlanta who provided pro bono representation to clients through AVLF.

Joel was formerly a member of the Fulton County Family Violence Task Force and Georgia Temporary Protective Order Forum, and formerly served on the Board of the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Joel graduated from Berry College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies and French. While in college, Joel attended the Catholic University of Paris’ French Language and Culture Institute. After college, Joel received his J.D. from Florida Coastal School of Law, where he received a Pro Bono award for dedicating over 150 hours of pro bono service to the Jacksonville area community.

Joel is also native Spanish speaker and is fluent in French.

Associations and Accreditations

• Atlanta Bar Association, Family Law Section, Treasurer

• Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, Member

• American Bar Association, Family Law Section, Member

• State Bar of Georgia, Family Law Section, Member

• Georgia Hispanic Bar Association, Member

Admissions

• State Bar of Georgia, 2012

Awards

• 2026 Super Lawyers Magazine Rising Star

• 2022 Daily Report Distinguished Leaders Award

• 2018 John Mayoue Memorial Scholarship Award - Awarded by the State Bar of Georgia's Family Law Section for dedication and commitment to public service and exhibiting the highest standards of professionalism in family law

Appeals

• Sheffield v. Sheffield, 338 Ga.App. 667 (2016) - Judgment reversed and case remanded

Speaking Engagements

• 2025 Georgia Family Law Institute - Dr. Doom's Freefall - Custody & Family Violence Issues

• 2022 Georgia Family Law Institute - Domestic Violence, Victimology, and Custody

• 2021 Atlanta Bar Association Pro Bono March Madness -Representing Survivors of Intimate Partner Abuse in Civil Temporary Protective Order Hearings During Covid-19

• 2021 National Training Institute - Technology, Intimate Partner Abuse, and Access to Justice

• 2021 Georgia Commission on Family Violence Annual Conference - Technology Facilitated Abuse

• 2021 Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Fall Conference - Using Technology to Expand Access to the Courts for Survivors of Intimate Partner Abuse

• 2020 Georgia Department of Community Affairs Annual Housing Symposium - Georgia Landlord-Tenant Law and the Disposessory Process

• 2019 Atlanta Bar Association Pro Bono March Madness - Representing Survivors of Intimate Partner Abuse in Civil Temporary Protective Order Hearings

• 2019 Georgia Commission on Family Violence Annual Conference

  GCFV Annual Conference - Temporary Protective Order Road Trip: Best Practices on Observation and Experience

• 2017 Atlanta Bar Association Pro Bono March Madness - Intersection of Housing Law, Family Violence, and Family Law

  2015

• 2015 Georgia Department of Education Conference - McKinney Vento and Special Education Needs