Meet Joe Piatchek, a local, dedicated attorney who is passionate about helping his clients navigate the legal system with confidence. With a relentless spirit and a natural inclination for debate, Joe has built a successful career based on his commitment to solving problems and achieving favorable outcomes for his clients. If you're considering hiring Joe or a member of his firm, getting to know him better will help you feel at ease. Joe believes in establishing a personal connection with his clients and looks forward to getting to know you, too.
Born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, Joe has deep roots in the community. He attended elementary, middle, and high school in Springfield before pursuing higher education at the University of Missouri - Columbia. While growing up, Joe's family and teachers often remarked that he had the qualities of a future attorney. His knack for debate and unwavering determination to find solutions shaped his journey towards a legal career. Joe's persistence, both a blessing and a curse, has become one of the cornerstones of his success as an attorney.
Joe explored many education and career paths before becoming an attorney. Eventually, Joe chose his college major to be Psychology, finding it captivating and thoroughly enjoying his coursework. He graduated both high school and college with honors, completing his Bachelor's degree in Psychology in just four years.
Following his undergraduate studies, Joe faced a crossroads in his career path. While he contemplated working in the field of psychology, the idea of pursuing law school lingered in his mind. Eager to explore the professional role of counseling others, Joe took on positions at Lakeland Regional Hospital, where he worked with adolescents facing mental illness, abuse, and neglect. He also served as a Community Support Worker at The Burrell Center, providing assistance to senior adults with acute mental illness. During this time, Joe gained first hand exposure to the legal field, frequently engaging with various government agencies, courts, and police, and occasionally attending court hearings. This experience solidified his decision to pursue a legal career instead of furthering his education in psychology.
After earning his law degree and passing the Missouri Bar Exam, Joe returned to his hometown of Springfield. He gained valuable experience working at a personal injury firm before embarking on his own entrepreneurial journey in 2004. Establishing the Piatchek Law Firm, LLC in 2005, Joe assumed the role of Managing Attorney. Additionally, he launched Affordable Legal Services®, a special division of the firm, which provides cost-effective solutions for common legal concerns. Joe's commitment to accessibility and transparency in the legal field led him to introduce reasonable flat rates for his services. Alongside his legal expertise, he is a certified mediator and a Notary Public. Joe has assembled a talented team at the Piatchek Law Firm, consisting of several attorneys and usually employing between 12 and 16 dedicated staff members.
Joe takes great pride in the growth and success of his firm; being most gratified by the exceptional individuals he has brought together as a legal team, and the difference they are able to make in the lives of the many clients they serve. Joe maintains membership in esteemed organizations such as the Missouri Bar, Greene County Estate Planning Council, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and has been a member of the American Bar Association (ABA), ABA Business Law Section.
Beyond his legal practice, Joe actively participates in numerous community and professional organizations, including Southeast Rotary in Springfield, Springfield Executive Breakfast Club, and is a member of the Parish Council at Immaculate Conception Church. He has routinely volunteered his time and expertise to local churches and non-profit agencies, including previously volunteering for Legal Services of Southern Missouri, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Ozarks (board), Birthright (board), Lifehouse Crisis Maternity Home, and the HOPE Foundation, all located in Springfield, Missouri.
Joe has always been an entrepreneur, and has had many jobs in his lifetime. When he was in his teens, had his own snow shoveling and lawn mowing services; for many years he was a waiter in various restaurants, including Village Inn, Ruby Tuesday's, and Ryan's Steakhouse. He has also been a basketball referee, ran a mobile notary and witnessing service; and ran a mobile loan closing service. While in law school, he worked at the University of Missouri - Health Sciences in the Institutional Review Board, and prior to law school, also worked at Burrell Behavioral Health as a Community Support Worker, and Lakeland Regional Hospital as a Psychiatric Technician. In addition to his legal practice, Joe has provided Mediation Services, providing alternative dispute resolution for individuals seeking amicable solutions.
At home, Joe cherishes his role as a husband and father. He is married to his wonderful wife and best friend, Tracy Piatchek, whom he met while working at the Burrell Center. Helen Noelle Piatchek, the couple's first child, was born in 2011, and her growth and development have brought immense joy to Joe and Tracy's life. More recently, the couple welcomed their second child, John Steven Piatchek, rekindling the experience of raising a newborn, and being blessed to "now have one of each". Tracy is a dedicated and talented teacher at Immaculate Conception Elementary in Springfield.
In his leisure time, Joe has coached multiple youth basketball teams, and continues to keep busy with his children's travel, sports, and activities. Joe also enjoys staying active through his own exercise and sports; he has been running between 15 and 25 miles per week for the past few years and has been playing basketball twice a week for nearly three decades. In 2022, he ran more than 1150 miles total for the year, and is on pace to do around the same in 2023. Joe enjoys a strangely wide variety of musical tastes, and enjoys swimming, working in the yard, listening to books, and has been known to binge some Netflix as good as anyone.
In summary, Joe Piatchek is an attorney dedicated to providing exceptional legal services to his clients. His relentless nature, problem-solving skills, and unwavering determination have propelled him to success. Joe's firm, the Piatchek Law Firm, LLC, embodies his commitment to accessibility and fairness, offering affordable solutions through its Affordable Legal Services® division. Alongside his professional endeavors, Joe actively contributes to the community through charitable activities and volunteer work. He cherishes his role as a husband and father, finding balance in his personal life through exercise, sports, and quality time with his loved ones. Whether you require legal representation or mediation services, Joe Piatchek is ready to guide you through your legal journey with compassion and expertise.
