A Bakersfield local, Joseph comes from a multigenerational legal family: his grandfather served as a Kern County Superior Court Judge, and his father is a longtime practicing attorney. Growing up surrounded by the legal profession instilled in him a deep commitment to justice, integrity, and service. These values anchor his work on behalf of injured clients throughout California.
In his practice, Joseph has handled a wide range of personal injury cases across California, including wrongful death and catastrophic injury claims, major trucking collisions, and complex construction defect cases. He represents clients throughout the state, including San Diego, San Francisco, and Fresno, with the majority of his cases in Kern County.
Before practicing law, Joseph was a collegiate swimmer at UC Berkeley, competing as a four-year varsity athlete, team captain, and two-time U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier. The discipline, resilience, and leadership he developed in the pool now inform his courtroom presence, shaping his meticulous preparation, confident advocacy, and refusal to back down in pursuit of justice.
Whether handling a high-profile case or a smaller matter requiring clear guidance, Joseph treats each client with equal care and dedication. His goal is to alleviate the legal burden for families facing overwhelming challenges, such as medical bills, funeral expenses, and insurance issues resulting from the negligent actions of others, and to guide them through the legal process with clarity and empathy.
Joseph recognizes that personal injuries affect far more than the individuals harmed; they impact entire families. His work focuses on understanding the full scope of that impact and is driven by a commitment to help families recover physically, mentally, and financially.
In line with the firm’s values, Joseph prioritizes open communication and a collaborative problem-solving approach. He keeps clients informed, offers education and clear guidance, and takes the time to understand their stories and needs. He believes that behind every case is a person whose experience deserves to be heard, and that listening closely and fighting for meaningful outcomes are essential to helping clients move forward with strength and dignity.
A graduate of the Trial Lawyers College, Joseph emphasizes human connection and storytelling in his practice, skills that allow him to advocate powerfully before juries. He is also a member of CAALA (Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles) and the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (ATAA).
In addition to his casework, Joseph actively takes on a leadership role within the firm. As a partner and seasoned trial attorney, he mentors junior lawyers, provides strategic guidance across the firm’s caseload, and promotes the collaborative, client-focused culture that characterizes Rodriguez & Associates. He attributes much of his growth and team philosophy to the mentorship of the firm’s founder and president, Daniel Rodriguez.
Outside the courtroom, Joseph serves on the Board of Directors for the Friends of Mercy Foundation, supporting medical professionals at Mercy Southwest and Mercy Downtown Hospitals in Bakersfield. He helps lead fundraising efforts, including the foundation’s annual golf event.
Outside of work, Joseph enjoys early morning runs along the bike path, tackling endurance events like the 24-hour World’s Toughest Mudder, and spending time with his wife, Katherine, and their three children. A lifelong Dodgers fan, he rarely misses a game on the radio.
