Joe E. Luce
Joe Luce is an experienced trial lawyer, having obtained over fifty jury verdicts, with extensive experience in insurance, insurance defense, commercial, and tort litigation. He has developed an expertise in the handling of large, complex litigation involving such matters as mass torts, toxic torts, pollution and product defect cases, including dry cleaner pollution liability, breast implant, fen-phen, and polybutylene pipe litigation. His vast litigation experience includes cases involving personal injury and death, construction accidents and defects, professional liability, automobile and trucking as well as products liability. Joe has also been a speaker at continuing education courses for both attorneys and licensed claims adjusters. Prior to joining Christian Smith & Jewell, Joe practiced at Martin, Disiere, Jefferson & Wisdom, L.L.P., Hirsch Robinson, P.C., Burck, Lapidus & Lanza, P.C., and Hudgins, Hudgins & Warrick, P.C.
Professional Affiliations
- United States District Court, Northern District of Texas
- United States District Court, Southern District of Texas
- United States District Court, Eastern District of Texas
- United States District Court, Western District of Texas
- State Bar of Texas
- Houston Bar Association
Education
- Texas A&M University, B.B.A., Marketing, 1981
- South Texas College of Law, J.D., 1985
Publications and Speeches
- “Update on Texas Law: RCLA and DTPA as Applied to Construction Defect Law and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Claims Current Law,” Trinity Universal Insurance Companies Continuing Adjuster Education Program, San Antonio, Texas, November 2001
- “Prosecuting and Defending Insurance Coverage Disputes,” San Antonio Independent Insurance Agents Association, San Antonio, Texas, November 2001
- “Stowers Doctrine” and “Article 21.55 and The Duty To Defend,” American Equity Insurance Company Adjuster Continuing Education Program, Scottsdale, Arizona, October 2001
- “Stowers Doctrine,” Penn-America Insurance Company Continuing Education Program, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 2001
- “Managing The Complex Case Ethically and Effectively: Giving Your Shark Room To Swim Without Tanking Your Budget,” American Contractors Insurance Company – Safety Workshop, Dallas, Texas April 1999
- “Insurance Coverage Opinions: Examining The Tilley Doctrine,” multiple presentations over many years including The Ranger Insurance Company and The Advanced Insurance Bad Faith Litigation Seminar at South Texas College of Law
Honors & Distinctions
- Class Agent, Class of 1985, South Texas College of Law Alumni Association
- President, South Texas College of Law Student Bar Association, 1984-85
- South Texas College of Law Student Bar Association Liaison, American Bar Association National Convention, 1984-85
- Recipient, Lindsey Haid Memorial Award from Faculty of South Texas College of Law in recognition of student leadership, 1985
- Co-Recipient, South Texas College of Law Outstanding Student of the Year, 1984
- Solicitations Editor, South Texas College of Law – Law Review
- Texas Association of Defense Counsel - Director
Interests & Hobbies
Joe spends his free time with his wife, Janell, and their son, Garrett. He can also be found at Second Baptist Church, where he is a deacon and choir member. Joe divides his time golfing, snow skiing, hunting, coaching boys’ baseball, and with The Children’s Fund, Inc., of Houston, Texas.
