Joseph Kanfer

Joseph Kanfer is a seasoned attorney with a proven track record of success as outside general counsel and lead litigation counsel in complex, high-stakes matters, including multimillion-dollar disputes. With a practice that spans construction law, corporate and transactional matters, employment law, and general civil litigation, Joe brings a practical, business-minded approach to solving legal problems and managing risk.

As a partner at his previous firm in Lancaster, Joe advised business owners, developers, construction professionals, and corporate clients on a broad range of legal and regulatory issues. He regularly counsels’ clients on labor and employment matters, including workplace safety (OSHA), wage and hour compliance, employee policies, restrictive covenants, and internal investigations. He also represents clients in litigation involving commercial contracts, real estate development, land use and zoning, and construction disputes.

Joe is a skilled litigator and strategist who has successfully represented clients in state and federal courts, before agencies such as the EEOC, NLRB, PHRC, and in arbitration and mediation forums. His experience includes managing large-scale litigation, preparing and arguing motions, taking and defending depositions, handling trials and appeals, and negotiating favorable settlements.

Prior to joining CC&W, Joe also practiced law at the a boutique litigation firm in Erie, Pennsylvania, where he gained significant experience in civil rights litigation, medical malpractice, and complex civil matters in federal court. He began his legal career by founding his own firm immediately after law school, building a practice from the ground up and developing the skills that continue to guide his client-centered approach today.

Joe has played a key leadership role in his previous firm’s operations, including attorney development, firm strategy, and financial management. He is a frequent contributor to The Contractor’s Compass and other legal publications, sharing insights on OSHA defense, non-compete agreements, and construction law best practices.

• College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA
  • J.D.
• State University of New York, Plattsburgh, NY
  • B.S.
  • Major: Cellular Biochemistry

• Pennsylvania, 2009
• New Jersey, 2018
• U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania, 2011
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit, 2011
• U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania, 2012
• U.S. District Court, Western District of New York, 2015
• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 2016
• U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey, 2019
• U.S. District Court, District of Columbia, 2020

• "Legal Checkups Can Help Subcontractors Avoid Legal Mishaps Before They Happen," The Contractor's Compass, August 2023
• "Be Prepared: OSHA Defense Begins BEFORE the Citation," The Contractor's Compass, June 2022
• "Non-Compete Agreements: Still a Valuable Tool for Protecting Your Business Despite Increasing Regulation," The Contractor's Compass, September 2021
• "Buy‐Sell Agreements: An Important Tool for Small Business Planning," The Contractor's Compass, November 2020
• "Top 5 Legal Issues to Think About for the Coming Year and Beyond," The Contractor's Compass, December 2018
• "Electronic Signatures Are Enforceable—If You're Careful," The Contractor's Compass, April 2018
• "Legal Checkups Can Help Subcontractors Avoid Legal Mishaps Before They Happen," The Contractor's Compass, August 2023

• Construction Law
• Corporate & Transactional Matters
• Employment Law
• General Civil Litigation