Joseph A. Manno

Joe Manno defends companies against claims alleging federal and state statutory liability, product liability, and general negligence in repeat, mass tort, and individual high stakes litigation.

In his human rights practice, Joe serves on the national and trial counsel teams defending international hotel franchisees and franchisors in cases alleging liability involving alleged human and sex trafficking. These claims often require the defense of allegations based on diverse liability theories including: Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO), the Trafficking Victims Reauthorization Act, and general tort. Joe is experienced in all facets of human rights litigation, from discovery, expert work-up, mediation, and trial.

In his product liability practice, Joe has defended a wide array of products, including snowmobiles, golf cars, medical devices, HVAC equipment, refrigerant press fittings, electrical equipment, paints, electronic cigarettes and vaporizers, hose fittings, and chemicals. Joe also leads national counsel teams defending personal injury claims related to escalators and elevators in hotels, casinos, arenas, and shopping centers throughout the country.

Though Joe has deep experience in all facets of litigation, he is known for his ability to quickly develop expertise in specialized statutory frameworks, product engineering and design, science, and medicine, making him a key strategic partner on numerous and varied national counsel teams. For repeat litigation, Joe has a heightened appreciation for the value of a consistent but nimble national strategy in case work-up, discovery (both offensive and defensive), and legal issues and implements those strategies through effective (and winning) trial themes. Joe devotes over half his practice in federal courts across the country.

When not traveling on client matters, Joe and his wife Natalie have their hands full with their two young children, who frequently try to make appearances on Zoom meetings.

Education: The University of Akron School of Law (J.D., summa cum laude, 2014); Akron Law Review, Articles Editor; The University of Akron (B.S., magna cum laude, 2011); University Honors Scholar

State Admissions: Ohio, 2014; Pennsylvania, 2020

Federal Admissions: United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio; United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio

Service Areas: Mass Tort & Product Liability; Maritime; Fire Litigation; Hospitality

Defense jury verdict in Pennsylvania product liability/personal injury wrongful death case
Defended national hotel brand and operator in an 11-plaintiff jury trial involving RICO, negligence, and TVPRA liability theories (resolved prior to verdict)
Obtained multiple dismissals and affirmations on appeal for a national elevator manufacturer and servicer in product liability and negligence cases
Hung jury in product liability/property damage fire case
Managed and defended to resolution more than 100 Longshore claims against a Great Lakes vessel owner involving single occurrence in federal court in Wisconsin
Oversaw the defense of thousands of mass tort claims against an HVAC manufacturer as a member of its national coordinating counsel team (led product training, motion strategy, expert development, and all facets of exit strategies) in state and federal courts across the country

speaking engagements

“Beyond the Headlines: Practical Strategies to Prevent and Respond to Labor Trafficking Risk in Light of Recent Litigation,” Tucker Ellis 2025 In-House Counsel Summit, Cleveland, Ohio (October 2025)
“Ethical Emailing,” Tucker Ellis Ohio Professional Conduct Program, Cleveland, Ohio (December 2015)