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Joseph A. Morrey

Joseph A. Morrey

Trial Attorney
Location:
St. Joseph, Missouri
Phone:
816-364-1506
Fax:
816-364-1560
Email:

Since graduating from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law in 1977, Joseph A. Morrey has lived in St. Joseph, Missouri, and has been a full-time litigator trying criminal and civil cases throughout Northwest Missouri and the greater Kansas City area. Morrey served as an assistant prosecuting attorney and public defender for six years in Buchanan County before starting his private practice. He has successfully tried over 100 jury trials to verdict. 

Morrey is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell signifying he possesses the highest professional legal ability and ethical standards as determined by confidential peer reviews of lawyers and judges with whom he practices. He has also been designated as a Missouri Super Lawyer, member of the "Top 100" for Missouri by the National Trial Lawyers Association and a member of the “Top One Percent” by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. In 2016 Morrey was elected to the Board of Governors of The Missouri Bar Association representing Northwest Missouri attorneys.

Morrey presently focuses his practice on litigation involving claims for serious personal injury and wrongful death resulting from vehicular collisions, defective products and medical malpractice. He was inspired to start his law firm to best assist individuals and families faced with overwhelming personal, financial and legal issues due to the effects of personal injury or death of loved ones caused by the negligence of others. He is uniquely qualified due to his years of successful litigation experience as evidenced by his exceptional trial record, professional ratings, awards and countless satisfied clients. 

Morrey has an abiding desire to truly understand and appreciate the actual effect his clients' injuries have had on them and their families. This interest and concern inspires him to prepare each case whatever the cost and gives him the strength to put in the effort ultimately required to prevail at trial. He believes in “leveling the playing field” by aggressive investigation and preparation of his clients' cases, resulting in his knowing the case better than the other side. His greatest satisfaction comes from achieving justice in every case in the form of the best possible settlements and jury verdicts for his clients. He considers all of his clients personal friends and genuinely cares about their success and happiness in life. Morrey firmly adheres to the proposition that the trust and respect of satisfied clients remains his best form of advertising.

Areas of Practice

  • 40% Personal Injury
  • 25% Wrongful Death
  • 15% Medical Malpractice
  • 5% Products Liability
  • 5% Premises Liability
  • 5% Workers' Compensation
  • 5% Criminal & Traffic Defense

Litigation Percentage

  • 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation

Courtroom Experience

I have worked hard over the years to be the most skilled at what I do. As an assistant prosecuting attorney, public defender and private attorney, I have tried over 100 jury trials to verdict. I've tried every kind of case, from traffic tickets to capital murder cases, from slip-and-fall to catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. I prepare to take every client's case all the way to the courtroom, if necessary.

Giving Back To The Community Is Part Of My Belief System

We all need to believe in something. I believe in giving back to the community with my time and legal advice. I have also participated in many ways with The Missouri Bar to enhance the reputation of lawyers and the delivery of legal services, including pro bono attorney-client mediation and disaster relief legal counseling, and most recently serving as an elected member of The Missouri Bar's Board of Governors representing Northwest Missouri.

Pro Bono Activities

  • The Missouri Bar — Disaster Legal Service Volunteer, 2017 to present
  • The Missouri Bar — Free Legal Answer Program, 2017 to present
  • City of St. Joseph, Missouri — Zoning Board of Adjustment, Substitute, 2016 to present
  • Uptown St. Joseph Advisory Committee — Board of Directors, 2010 to present
  • Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys — Emergency Response Team — Volunteer and Co-Director, 2008 to present
  • The Missouri Bar — Complaint Resolution Mediator, 2002 to present
  • The Missouri Bar — Lawyers Assistance Program Volunteer, 2000 to present
  • Salvation Army of St. Joseph, Missouri — Board of Directors, Member and President, 2006 to 2014 & 2019 – present
  • City of St. Joseph, Missouri — Planning & Zoning Commission, Member and Vice Chairman, 2008 to 2013
  • Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph, Missouri — Board of Directors, Legal Advisor, 2004 to 2012
  • St. Joseph Christian School — Legal Advisor to School Board, 2007 to 2011
  • St. Joseph Christian School — High School Track Coach, Volunteer, 2003 to 2011
  • St. Joseph Pregnancy Resource Center — Board of Directors, Legal Advisor, 2000 to 2010
  • KGNM Christian Radio — Board of Directors, Legal Advisor, 2000 to 2008
  • St. Joseph Youth Soccer Association — Volunteer, 1979 to 2000
  • St. Joseph Food Kitchen — Board of Directors, Legal Advisor, 1979 to 1982
  • St. Joseph Food Bank — Board of Directors, Legal Advisor, 1979 to 1982

Industry And Peer Recognition

I'm proud to say that I've been recognized by several legal industry associations for excellence, including being selected for inclusion in Missouri Super Lawyers list (2013-2020) in personal injury litigation, "Top 100" by the National Trial Lawyers Association, member of the "Top One Percent" by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Missouri. Over the years, I've earned the respect of my peers and national recognition by the legal industry. However, I believe the trust and respect of satisfied clients remains my best form of advertising.

Bar Admissions

  • Missouri, 1977
  • Colorado, 1989
  • U.S. District Court Western District of Missouri, 1977
  • U.S. Supreme Court, 2017

Education

  • University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, Kansas City, Missouri - 1977
  • SE MO State Univ., Cape Girardeau, Missouri
    • B.A. cum laude
    • Honors: Dean's List
    • Major: Political Science & Sociology
    • Minor: Psychology

Classes/Seminars

  • When Disaster Strikes - Plenary Session Speaker, The Missouri Bar Annual Meeting 2011

Honors and Awards

  • AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, 2010 - Present
  • Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
  • Missouri Super Lawyer, Personal Injury Litigation, 2013 - Present
  • Top 100, National Trial Lawyers Association

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • Missouri Bar Association, Member, 1977 - Present
  • Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys, Member, 2000 - Present
  • American Association for Justice (AAJ), Member, 1995 - Present
  • National Trial Lawyers Association, Member, 2014 - Present
  • MATA Board of Governors, 2018 - present
  • MOBAR Board of Governors of Missouri, Elected Member, 2016 - 2020

Past Employment Positions

  • Buchanan Co. MO Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Assistant Prosecuting Atty., 1977 - 1980
  • 5th Judicial Dist. of MO Public Defender's Office, Assistant Public Defender, 1980 - 1983

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Call my law office, the Law Offices of Joseph A. Morrey, for a free consultation about your case at 816-364-1506. You can also email the firm to make your appointment. We assist clients in St. Joseph and the surrounding counties, including Kansas City, and put our experience and integrity to work for obtaining the best results possible in your case.