Joseph J.Straus
Counsel
Litigation
jstraus@seyfarth.com
“After more 40 years in the trenches, if it has happened on a construction site, I have seen it.”
More About Joseph
Joe has spent more than 40 years practicing litigation exclusively in the construction industry, both in the private sector and the public works realm. At this stage of his practice, there is likely no issue that he has not litigated for either owners or contractors. He has extensive experience in trying both bet-the-company litigation and high-stakes complex construction disputes in state and federal courts across the Western United States and in the American Arbitration Association.
Joe has handled a variety of public works litigated matters over the last two decades, from bridge and highway construction and wastewater plants to alternative energy facilities and wetland restoration projects. His private work has focused on high-rise construction, hotels, hospital facilities, and manufacturing plants.
Joe now uses his more than four decades of experience as an effective construction litigator to work as a mediator and arbitrator in construction matters. His mediation focus emphasizes meaningful and detailed consultation with counsel before the day of mediation and respect for a full understanding of the parties’ positions going into mediation. He believes mediation should be about more than buying or selling a rug—it should be about finding a mutual middle ground and maintaining respect for the contractual relationship.
Joe's construction practice includes experience in handling contract terminations and their aftermath. He is particularly versed in construction product failures and recovery under the Uniform Commercial Code.
Joe has handled a variety of public works litigated matters over the last two decades, from bridge and highway construction and wastewater plants to alternative energy facilities and wetland restoration projects. His private work has focused on high-rise construction, hotels, hospital facilities, and manufacturing plants.
Joe now uses his more than four decades of experience as an effective construction litigator to work as a mediator and arbitrator in construction matters. His mediation focus emphasizes meaningful and detailed consultation with counsel before the day of mediation and respect for a full understanding of the parties’ positions going into mediation. He believes mediation should be about more than buying or selling a rug—it should be about finding a mutual middle ground and maintaining respect for the contractual relationship.
Joe's construction practice includes experience in handling contract terminations and their aftermath. He is particularly versed in construction product failures and recovery under the Uniform Commercial Code.
- JD, Santa Clara University School of Law
- BA, Seattle University
Political Science
Other Education
- American Arbitration Association Mediation Certification (2018)
- Washington
- US Court of Federal Claims
- US District Court, Eastern District of Washington
- US District Court, Western District of Washington
- Recognized in Construction (2010-2011, 2020-2022); Construction (Washington), Chambers USA (2025)
- Recognized as a Outstanding Voice Recipient by Puget Sound Business Journal- Business of Pride (2020)
- Whim W'him Seattle Contemporary Dance, Board of Directors (2013-2022)
- Seattle University Board of Regents (2001-2011)
“After more 40 years in the trenches, if it has happened on a construction site, I have seen it.”
More About Joseph
Joe has spent more than 40 years practicing litigation exclusively in the construction industry, both in the private sector and the public works realm. At this stage of his practice, there is likely no issue that he has not litigated for either owners or contractors. He has extensive experience in trying both bet-the-company litigation and high-stakes complex construction disputes in state and federal courts across the Western United States and in the American Arbitration Association.
Joe has handled a variety of public works litigated matters over the last two decades, from bridge and highway construction and wastewater plants to alternative energy facilities and wetland restoration projects. His private work has focused on high-rise construction, hotels, hospital facilities, and manufacturing plants.
Joe now uses his more than four decades of experience as an effective construction litigator to work as a mediator and arbitrator in construction matters. His mediation focus emphasizes meaningful and detailed consultation with counsel before the day of mediation and respect for a full understanding of the parties’ positions going into mediation. He believes mediation should be about more than buying or selling a rug—it should be about finding a mutual middle ground and maintaining respect for the contractual relationship.
Joe's construction practice includes experience in handling contract terminations and their aftermath. He is particularly versed in construction product failures and recovery under the Uniform Commercial Code.
Joe has handled a variety of public works litigated matters over the last two decades, from bridge and highway construction and wastewater plants to alternative energy facilities and wetland restoration projects. His private work has focused on high-rise construction, hotels, hospital facilities, and manufacturing plants.
Joe now uses his more than four decades of experience as an effective construction litigator to work as a mediator and arbitrator in construction matters. His mediation focus emphasizes meaningful and detailed consultation with counsel before the day of mediation and respect for a full understanding of the parties’ positions going into mediation. He believes mediation should be about more than buying or selling a rug—it should be about finding a mutual middle ground and maintaining respect for the contractual relationship.
Joe's construction practice includes experience in handling contract terminations and their aftermath. He is particularly versed in construction product failures and recovery under the Uniform Commercial Code.
- JD, Santa Clara University School of Law
- BA, Seattle University
Political Science
Other Education
- American Arbitration Association Mediation Certification (2018)
- Washington
- US Court of Federal Claims
- US District Court, Eastern District of Washington
- US District Court, Western District of Washington
- Recognized in Construction (2010-2011, 2020-2022); Construction (Washington), Chambers USA (2025)
- Recognized as a Outstanding Voice Recipient by Puget Sound Business Journal- Business of Pride (2020)
- Whim W'him Seattle Contemporary Dance, Board of Directors (2013-2022)
- Seattle University Board of Regents (2001-2011)