A nationally recognized trial lawyer, Joseph McHale has handled the defense of widely publicized class action and mass tort lawsuits filed in state and federal courts across the United States. Joe has served as lead counsel in multidistrict litigation on behalf of schools, behavioral health facilities, juvenile detention centers and other related institutions facing claims of abuse, harassment and misconduct.
Joe has handled a combined thousand cases stemming out of a nationwide putative class action facing one of the largest behavioral healthcare organizations in the United States and mass tort suits facing a now-defunct residential facility for adjudicated youth, which was the nation’s oldest all-boys reformatory school. The matters involve claims by hundreds of plaintiffs related to physical and sexual abuse/harassment and institutional misconduct.
Appearing before federal and state courts, arbitral tribunals and state agencies, Joe also defends against claims related to medical malpractice, healthcare matters, product liability, commercial issues, personal injury and insurance.
Joe also served as trial co-counsel in obtaining a defense verdict on behalf of a global pharmaceutical and biotechnology company in a mass tort involving the first phenylpropanolamine (PPA) case tried in Pennsylvania.
As a registered pharmacist, clients turn to Joe for his unique perspective and insight into the life sciences industry. His unique blend of practice in both pharmacy and law has also made him a sought-after faculty member for educational programs. He had lectured frequently for the Pharmacy Learning Network, a digital resource for pharmacy professionals. Joe also previously served as an adjunct faculty member at the former University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, where he taught pharmacy law for more than 25 years.
Featured Representative Matters
Represents one of the largest behavioral healthcare organizations in the United States as lead counsel in a putative nationwide class action alleging physical and sexual abuse/harassment and institutional misconduct.
Served as lead liaison in the defense of mass tort lawsuits facing the now-defunct residential facility for adjudicated youth, which was the nation’s oldest all-boys reformatory school, involving claims of physical and emotional abuse and violation of education rights.
Served as trial co-counsel in obtaining a defense verdict on behalf of a global pharmaceutical and biotechnology company in a mass tort involving the first phenylpropanolamine (PPA) case tried in Pennsylvania.
Represented the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary with a redevelopment project in Stone Harbor, New Jersey.
Defended a car sharing agency in a product liability claim; while his co-defendant suffered a $16 million plus verdict, a defense verdict was obtained for the client.
Obtained a defense verdict in a premises liability claim against a school in a matter where the plaintiff suffered debilitating injuries to her hand and requested over $1 million to settle the matter.
Defended a religious institution in a variety of different matters that resulted in numerous defense verdicts.
Defended numerous medical malpractice claims for health systems and practitioners.
Defended a high school basketball coach against a student who claimed she was “mentally abused” by him; a defense verdict was returned after trial.
Obtained a dismissal for a local hospice at trial against claims from a volunteer who was severely injured after falling off a ladder while working at the hospice.
Defended a crane operator and distributor in a case where a worker was severely injured when a crane dropped two tons of steel on him; a defense verdict was returned in less than one hour.
Defended a governmental agency in a number of cases of first impression involving the Social Security Act as it relates to reimbursement rates paid to pharmacists, which included obtaining favorable judgments for the agency at the trial and appellate stages.
Obtained a defense verdict for the largest manufacturer of spiral staircases in the United States in a product liability matter.
Defended a construction company in a product liability/negligence action that resulted in a defense verdict, despite the plaintiff’s demand in excess of $3 million.
Community Impact
Joe is former chairman of the Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation board and is a former board member of Eagles Fly for Leukemia.
Memberships
Fellow, American Society for Pharmacy Law
Member, Defense Research Institute
Member, Pennsylvania Bar Association
Former Board Chairman, Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation
Former Board Chairman, Eagles Fly for Leukemia
Recognitions
The Best Lawyers in America (Product Liability Litigation – Defendants) (2018-26)
PennsylvaniaSuper Lawyers (2026)
Featured Speaking Engagements
Presenter, “Physical and Sexual Abuse Litigation in PA – From the Plaintiff and the Defendant,” Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association
Presenter, “Updates in Pharmacy Law,” University of the Sciences’ Philadelphia College of Pharmacy’s 38th Annual Symposium on Advances in Pharmacy Practice
Panelist, “Pharmacy Malpractice,” Developments in Pharmacy Law Seminar
Clerkships
Clerkship to Justice Joseph Walsh of the Delaware Supreme Court.
