Joshua Lax, Counsel

Joshua J. Lax is the firm's head of the Government Affairs and Public Defense Practice. Joshua combines his extensive experience in criminal and civil cases, including almost forty trials, to assist his clients present the best case possible. Joshua's work with hundreds of witnesses has given him the type of insight to help government officials and employees explain to judges, juries, and the public the reasons for their decisions and actions when challenged. 

Joshua spent over a decade as an attorney at the New York City Law Department, where he was a member of the Special Federal Litigation Division, which the New York Times described as “an elite team in the city's Law Department that deals with some of the most important and politically sensitive cases the city has to fight.” True to this description, Joshua was appointed senior counsel and member of the trial team, and handled some of the most high-profile cases against the City of New York, involving the use of deadly force, reversed convictions, and emotionally disturbed persons. In this role, he tried thirty-one federal civil jury trials, and consulted on many more. Joshua developed extensive experience in civil rights, constitutional law, municipal affairs, and law enforcement practices and procedures. In recognition of his work, Joshua received the 2017 Municipal Affairs Award from the New York City Bar Association. 

Joshua started his career at a prominent criminal defense firm in Northern New Jersey, where he became a respected defense attorney for Driving While Intoxicated cases. In addition, he represented criminal defendants and juveniles in numerous criminal cases. 

In addition to his experience in the criminal justice system, Joshua represented whistleblowers and other plaintiffs in complex civil litigation involving securities and Medicaid/Medicare fraud. In particular, Joshua served as counsel in a False Claims Act cases against international banks for fraud in setting municipal bond interest rates and a major pharmacy chain for fraudulent billing practices.

In addition to his work in the Courtroom, Joshua is devoted to educating the next generation of litigators. He is an adjunct professor at Fordham Law School where he teaches Fundamental Lawyering Skills, he serves as a training instructor for the Federal Bar Council's Access to Counsel trial and deposition training programs, and the New York City Law Department's trial advocacy training program. Joshua is a Team Manager in the Federal Bar Council's Inn of Court and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Verona Public Library Foundation.  

Finally, Joshua is an internationally renowned fountain pen expert.