Joseph R. Soraghan

Principal

Email Joe
Phone 314.889.7121

Download press pic

Bio

Joe Soraghan practices in legal matters pertaining to business operations and growth. His practical experience in law and finance adds significantly to the management team within any size business. He guides businesses in financing, contracts, acquisitions/mergers and sales, resolving disputes, and assists clients in offering securities and in complying with state and U.S. securities laws.

Joe is dedicated to helping emerging companies with growth issues, financing, franchise law compliance, and protecting their businesses. He educates entrepreneurs about structuring and obtaining seed-stage and other financing.

Joe received the Financial Services Champion, Region VII award from U.S. Small Business Association in 2005 and was named one of the Top St. Louis Entrepreneurial Lawyers in 2009 by St. Louis Small Business Monthly.

In addition to business law, Joe is an experienced litigator and a strong believer in alternative dispute resolution. He serves on the mediation and arbitration panels of the American Arbitration Association, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and the New York Stock Exchange.

In more traditional litigation approaches, he has argued cases before Missouri and Federal trial and appellate courts including the Supreme Court of Missouri. Recent cases include securities/ investment law compliance, product licensing/production issues, and partnership disputes.

After law school, Joe served in the U.S. Navy aboard submarines. A reserve officer for 20+ years following active duty, he has served as commanding officer of six reserve commands.

Publications & Speaking Engagements

Presenter and panel member on topics including entrepreneurship and small business concerns for: The Missouri Bar, Lorman Education Services, Public Investors Arbitration Association, Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, and St. Louis IT Entrepreneur Network.

TV guest: "Missouri Venture Forum and Its Service to the Entrepreneur Community," Business Roundtable, Lindenwood University Television.

Adjunct professor of securities law, Washington University School of Law.



Education

  • LL.M., Yale University School of Law (1966)
  • J.D., with honors, Order of the Coif, Washington University School of Law (1965)
  • B.S., mechanical engineering, with honors, Purdue University (1962)

Admissions

  • Missouri
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri

ADR Credentials

  • Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, mediator and arbitrator
  • American Arbitration Association, mediator and arbitrator
  • Association of Attorney-Mediators, St. Louis chapter

Associations

  • Missouri Securities Advisory Commission
  • American Bar Association
  • The Missouri Bar
  • Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
  • St. Louis Capital Alliance, management committee
  • Missouri Venture Forum: president, founding director, secretary
  • Entrepreneur Education Committee, founder and chair

Community Involvement

  • Childrens' Home Society of Missouri: director, former secretary and executive committee member
  • National Senior Games Association: director and treasurer
  • Navy League of the U.S.: chapter president and director
  • City of Kirkwood: Board of Adjustment, former chairman, Planning and Zoning Commission, secretary/treasurer, Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee