Joseph R. Lucia is a partner in the Rains Lucia Stern St. Phalle & Silver, PC (“RLS”) Personal Injury Group, Legal Defense of Peace Officers Practice Group, and Collective Bargaining Practice Group. He has worked with RLS since 2000 and over his many years at the Firm has had the opportunity to successfully represent numerous association and individual clients in all three practice areas.

As part of the RLS personal injury trial team, Joseph has successfully represented clients in civil litigation for personal injuries, including industrial accidents, product liability, professional malpractice, auto, bicycle, premises liability and maritime accidents. Joseph’s representation has resulted in numerous RLS clients, and their family and friends, securing millions of dollars in damages. He litigates a high volume of catastrophic injury cases for on-duty first responders and routinely navigates complicated recovery rights involving workers’ compensation matters and industrial disability retirements through numerous pensions systems.

Many of the RLS’ labor association clients are represented by Joseph. He advises and advocates for labor associations on all matters, including contract negotiations, grievances, unfair labor practices, bargaining unit certifications and meet and confer rights.

Joseph also represents law enforcement clients in disciplinary and criminal actions, including critical incidents. Most significantly, Joseph was involved in the criminal and civil defense of former BART Police Officer Johannes Mehserle who was charged by the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office with the murder of Oscar Grant. Joseph was given the assignment of “second-chair” to Michael L. Rains during the criminal trial of Johannes Mehserle in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Throughout his tenure with RLS, Joseph has participated in various teaching engagements and POST-approved seminars addressing use of force training, the use of video during investigations of critical incidents and in civil litigation. He has also authored literature and lectured on the importance of automobile drivers possessing underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage and the legal implications of Firefighter’s Rule on first responders’ right to recover damages for on-duty injuries.

Joseph earned his bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s College of California, where he was a member of the last fielded football team before it was disbanded after the 2003 season. He earned his law degree from John F. Kennedy School of Law while working full-time for RLS.

He is licensed to practice in all state courts in California, U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Eastern Districts of California and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Professional Associations and Memberships
• One Hundred Club of Contra Costa County – Board Member
• State Bar of California

Disclaimer: Any results set forth herein are based upon the facts of that particular case and do not represent a promise or guarantee.