Joseph W. Harper

Joe is a partner in the Vorys Cincinnati office and a member of the litigation group. His practice involves complex civil litigation, with particular emphasis on litigation under the federal False Claims Act. Joe has represented False Claims Act defendants in the defense, procurement, and health care sectors, and is also experienced in leading internal investigations.

Notable experience includes:

• Successfully representing clients in all aspects of False Claims Act litigation
• Conducting internal investigations in response to Government subpoenas and requests for information
• Persuading the Department of Justice to decline intervention in cases seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in False Claims Act damages
• Prevailing against United States’ claims seeking over $50 million from defense contractor for alleged illegal contracting activity
• Obtaining dismissal of qui tam suit alleging more than $10 million in overbilling by government contractor prior to discovery
• Successfully representing clients in federal and state courts of appeals

Joe is a member of the American Bar Association and the Cincinnati Bar Association.

Joe received his J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law, where he was a John Henry Wigmore scholar. He received his B.S. in biology cum laude from the University of Cincinnati.

Honors & Recognitions

Ohio Super Lawyers Rising Stars, General Litigation, 2012-2016