LAWYER PROFILE
Joseph P Williams

Joseph P Williams

USA 2026

Chambers ranking badge
Chambers ranking badge

Ranked in 1 practice area

About

Provided by Shipman & Goodwin LLP

Practice Areas

Joe is co-chair of the Real Estate, Environmental, Energy, Land Use and Construction Department. A skilled litigator and trial lawyer, Joe draws on his more than 25 years of wide-ranging dispute resolution experience to help clients proactively identify and prevent issues that can otherwise derail or delay real estate and construction projects. He is known across the state of Connecticut and throughout New England as a fearless, fair-minded and effective advocate for his clients.

Joe regularly represents developers, investors and owners in a wide array of real estate-related proceedings, including land-use permitting and litigation, site-development applications, administrative appeals, adverse possessions, boundary and easement disputes, injunction actions, and eminent domain and affordable housing matters. He also advises clients on constitutional claims involving takings, religious freedom and fair housing, among other areas. Well-versed in environmental law, Joe has counseled numerous clients in clean-up and cost-recovery actions.

In addition to his corporate and individual clients, Joe also represents municipalities, boards of education, independent schools and state agencies. He understands the sometimes-conflicting priorities and objectives of government bodies and the businesses they regulate, and helps his clients and counterparties identify common ground and negotiate effective solutions. With an extensive network of business, industry and government contacts, Joe is able to connect the right people at the right time, at every step of the real-estate development process.

Where disputes are unavoidable or when litigation is the most effective strategy, Joe is an experienced and effective representative for his clients’ interests. He has appeared before numerous federal, state and local administrative agencies, and has successfully represented clients in trial and appellate courts at the state and federal levels. Deeply knowledgeable about the industry and the law, he is also frequently called upon to serve as an expert witness in third-party disputes.

Full Biography: https://www.shipmangoodwin.com/people/joseph-p-williams.html

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the USA

Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use - Connecticut

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial

Joseph Williams is cochair of the firm's real estate and land use department. He demonstrates extensive litigation and trial capabilities, representing clients in land use and zoning matters.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • He is straightforward and there is no fluff.

    Real Estate: Zoning/Land UseChambers Guide to the USA
  • What makes Joe so effective is his preparedness. He understands the local zoning laws throughout Connecticut.

    Real Estate: Zoning/Land UseChambers Guide to the USA
  • His presentation style and ability to articulate complex issues in a manner that is relatable to planning boards and other municipal leaders is second to none.

    Real Estate: Zoning/Land UseChambers Guide to the USA

Ranked Individuals at Shipman & Goodwin LLP (23)

Connecticut

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership