Joel W. Walters

A Partner in Hahn Loeser’s Sarasota office, Joel W. Walters focuses on business litigation, including health care, construction, insurance, and real property disputes. He serves as the Partner-in-Charge of the Sarasota office.  Joel is Florida Board Certified in Business Litigation and was a shareholder in the law firm Walters Levine & DeGrave, which joined Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP in 2025.

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

For over twenty years, Joel has concentrated his practice in business law and general commercial litigation and is frequently called upon to advise clients in regard to: contract disputes; health care law; construction and suretyship matters; corporate and shareholder disputes and insurance matters. In so doing, he regularly handles complex, multi-partied litigation in state and federal court and in cases referred to arbitration. By virtue of his substantial experience in construction law, Joel has served on the American Arbitration Association National Panel of Arbitrators and as a speaker for continuing education programs. Joel is also a well-respected lecturer and published author on topics relating to business law and litigation. Since 2000, Joel has been designated by the Florida Bar as a board-certified Specialist in Business Litigation Law. He is admitted to practice before all local and state courts in Missouri and Florida, the U.S. District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida, and the Eleventh U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal. Joel holds an AV peer review rating from Martindale – Hubbell, and a Super Lawyers designation from Thomson Reuters, their highest verified ratings for an attorney based upon peer review for legal ability and ethical standards.

EDUCATION AND SCHOLASTICS

Joel received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia and his Juris Doctor degree, with distinction, from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. While in law school, he served on the moot court board and received the American Jurisprudence Award for excellence in family law. Following graduation, Joel served as a law clerk to the late honorable Judge Robert T. Donnelly, Supreme Court of Missouri.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Joel is the past president and a current member of the Rotary Club of Sarasota and is a past president and current board member of the Sheriff’s Athletic League of Sarasota County. Joel also volunteers his time to many other charitable and civic causes.

Accolades