Joe is a trial attorney with a diverse client mix. A typical day may find Joe’s time split between representing a software company defrauded by a major investor in a failed business deal to the defense of a Japanese excavator manufacturer in a severe crushing injury to the defense of a computer manufacturer sued for accounting fraud to the defense of a school district sued for causing the stress related death of a teacher. He even handled the appeal of a death row inmate’s capital murder conviction.

To achieve desired results for clients, Joe employs several methods of dispute resolution, including mediation (with or without a third party neutral) and arbitration. If these methods are unsuccessful, and a trial is required, Joe’s clients find that he is an exceptional pre-trial, trial, and appellate advocate. Joe first established his reputation as a trial lawyer when he won a landmark verdict in 1996 for a group of landowners who sued a natural gas storage facility for property damage caused by a gas explosion. The jury in that case awarded $143 million to the landowners, one of the largest punitive damage awards in Texas that year. He was interviewed about the case during a National Public Radio broadcast about the safety of underground storage caverns in Texas. Here is a link to the story and podcast.

Joe is recognized throughout the community as a gifted trial attorney and, based on the grading and comments of his peers, he was recognized in 2021 by his inclusion as a Top Rated Lawyer in Texas for the 10th year, a Texas Super Lawyer for the 14th time and a “Client Service All-Star.”

Joe is a native Texan from Brenham, Texas. He graduated with a Psychology degree from Texas A&M University in 1982 and a law degree from South Texas College of Law in 1985. He served a one-year appointment as a briefing attorney for The Supreme Court of Texas in 1986 and celebrated his 36th year at Sheehy, Ware, Pappas & Grubbs, P.C. where he is a shareholder. Joe is board certified in personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Joe is active in the State Bar of Texas and previously served on State Bar committees to develop jury submissions for civil trials and to coordinate legal aid for the homeless. He served a two year term as National Alumni President for his law school and has been an active fundraiser for the College of Liberal Arts at Texas A&M University.

Joe has been married 39 years to his high school sweetheart and they are the parents of four grown children.

In his spare time, he likes to watch college sports, go to the movies and socialize with friends.

Community Activities

• Board of Directors, South Texas College of Law (1997-1999)
• Member, Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (1998-1999)
• National Alumni President, South Texas College of Law (1997-1999)
• Member, Texas A&M College of Liberal Arts Development Council (1997 – present)
• Advisory Board, Alzheimer’s Association (2008-2012)
• Officer, Old Braeswood Homeowners Association (1997-2002)
• Member, St. Vincent DePaul School Long Range Planning Committee (2007-2010)

Contact Joseph A. Garnett