"For over 29 years I have had the privilege of representing health care providers facing the challenge of a patient's unexpected outcome, and the unwelcome journey into a sometimes nightmarish world of hindsight and legal trauma. There is no 'one size fits all' answer to these challenges, but I believe my experience — and a love of medicine — has allowed me valuable insights into the concerns, angst, and needs of the medical professional and an ability to put that to work, successfully, in their defense."
— Albert J. "Joe" Engel, III

A seasoned litigator, Joe began his career trying auto, premises, and general liability cases throughout western Michigan. For the past 29 years his practice has focused primarily on the areas of physician and institutional medical malpractice defense -- with a particular interest in the specialty areas of cardiology, radiology, primary care and emergency medicine. He also continues to enjoy his frequent role as a speaker on numerous medical and risk management topics, often for continuing medical education credit. He also counsels health care providers on numerous practice, licensing, and credentialing issues.

Joe has served as a case evaluator and mediator throughout western Michigan since 1985, and has completed rigorous ICLE-sponsored mediation and advanced mediation courses designed to enhance his skills in the alternative dispute resolution arena. Utilizing his trial experience and solid reputation for integrity, Joe has successfully expanded his practice base to include service as a mediator and facilitator throughout the State of Michigan.

Joe is married to Doreen, and they have three sons, twins Colin and Ethan, and Griffin. In addition to enjoying his family, Joe is an avid Great Lakes and warm water scuba diver, reader, runner, bridge player, and has been known to spontaneously break into song in the presence of a catchy tune or a readily available piano.

Noteworthy

•  AV Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
•  Listed in Best Lawyers (2007-2012) -- Medical Malpractice Law
•  Listed as a "Michigan Super Lawyer" (2006-2011) -- Personal Injury Defense: Medical Malpractice
•  Past President, Michigan Defense Trial Counsel

Education

• Michigan State University (B.A., 1976)
• University of Toledo Law School (J.D., 1980).

Admitted to Practice

• State Bar of Michigan, 1980
• State Bar of Colorado, 1988

Smith Haughey Publications

Type	Date	Title
Legal Alert	9/14/2010	Medical Malpractice - Case Law Update (Sept. 2010)

News for A. Joseph Engel

9/14/2011
Smith Haughey and its Attorneys Voted "Best" By Their Peers

8/30/2010
Smith Haughey and its Attorneys Voted "Best" By Their Peers

8/11/2009
Smith Haughey and its Attorneys Voted "Best" by Their Peers

11/17/2008
Smith Haughey Presented the President's Special Recognition Award by the MDTC

9/19/2008
Smith Haughey and Attorneys Voted "Best" By Their Peers

5/20/2008
Smith Haughey's Litigators Accumulate Successes Throughout Michigan

9/24/2007
Smith Haughey Lawyers Named "Super Lawyers"

9/11/2007
Lawyers Voted "Best" By Their Peers

10/26/2006
SHRR Lawyers are Super

9/5/2006
SHRR Attorneys Voted Best

5/1/2006
Engel Reappointed to State Bar Character Fitness Committee

12/11/2001
Albert J. Engel, III Appointed to Character and Fitness Committee

Professional Affiliations

•  Colorado Bar Association
•  State Bar of Michigan
•  Grand Rapids Bar Association
•  Fellow, Michigan State Bar Foundation
•  American Society for Healthcare Risk Management
•  Michigan Society for Healthcare Risk Management
•  Life Member of the Judicial Conference, United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
•  Michigan Defense Trial Counsel, Inc.
•  Case Evaluator, Numerous West Michigan Circuit Courts
•  Past Instructor, Hillman Trial Advocacy Program
•  ICLE-trained Mediator, State of Michigan

Community Affiliations

•  Member, Advisory Board, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program
•  Volunteer, Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan
•  Volunteer reader, Kent County Juvenile Home
•  Volunteer donor, Grand Valley Blood Program
•  Cantor, St. Robert's Catholic Church