Joseph Van Meter

Joseph M. Van Meter is a trial attorney whose practice concentrates on the defense of public entities and their employees in complex civil liability matters, including commercial disputes, catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases involving public property. Prior to joining Bordin Semmer, Mr. Van Meter worked for state prosecutors and defense counsel alike; during his time serving with a felony prosecutorial unit, he second-chaired the successful trial to conviction of a highly sophisticated Northern California identity theft ring.

Fluent in Spanish, Mr. Van Meter regularly represents Spanish-speaking employees of public entities, ensuring clear communication and effective advocacy throughout all phases of litigation. He prioritizes thorough investigation and aggressive yet reasoned advocacy to achieve optimal outcomes, whether through early resolution, dispositive motions, or by proceeding to trial. Mr. Van Meter bears extensive experience and training in trial advocacy, having studied under Assistant US Attorneys and tried several of his own cases as a private practitioner.

A California native, Mr. Van Meter earned his Juris Doctorate from the UCLA School of Law, where he focused on trial advocacy and specialized in Law and Philosophy. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Pepperdine University, graduating with Highest Honors in Philosophy as a Dean’s Scholar. During law school, he was selected as an Alumni Board Scholar, served as a Student Instructor, and was a Blackstone Legal Fellow.

Beyond the courtroom, Mr. Van Meter enjoys DIY computing projects, English literature, live music and time spent with family, especially his two children.

Mr. Van Meter is admitted to practice in California.