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Speaking & Lecturing

Practical legal insight shaped by decades in Pittsburgh courtrooms and professional-license matters

Joseph Paletta lecturing to an audience of healthcare professionals

Experience That Informs Every Presentation

Joseph Alexander Paletta was born and raised in the Pittsburgh area. He graduated cum laude from Washington and Lee University in 1982 and earned his Juris Doctor from Duquesne University Law School in 1985.

Joseph has practiced as a trial lawyer since 1986. He served for more than 30 years in the Trial Division of the Allegheny County Office of the Public Defender, representing more than 15,000 clients at trial before judges in the Criminal Division of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.

Through years of representing doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other licensed healthcare professionals, Joseph developed a focused practice at the intersection of criminal defense and professional licensing. His presentations translate that experience into practical guidance for healthcare groups, professional associations, conferences, and continuing-education audiences.

Presentations can be tailored to the organization, audience, and current regulatory concerns.

Since 1986
Trial Lawyer
30+ Years
Public Defender Trial Division
15,000+
Clients Represented at Trial
Joseph Paletta presenting on medical license defense

Selected Speaking & Guest Lecturing Experience

Joseph Paletta presents to nursing leaders, bedside professionals, physicians, educators, and healthcare organizations. Each program connects real-world courtroom and licensing experience with practical steps healthcare professionals can use to understand and protect their licenses.

Signature Presentation

License Implications & Consequences of Nursing Board Investigations & Criminal Prosecutions

October 2023

Health & Justice Summit

Las Vegas, Nevada

September 2024

Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders (PONL)

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

September 2024

UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh — Emergency Department Physicians

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

March 2025

Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals (PASNAP)

State College, Pennsylvania

April 2025

Pennsylvania Association of Directors of Nursing Administration (PADONA)

Hershey, Pennsylvania

Guest Lecturer

University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Guest Lecturer

Portage Learning

Online healthcare education

Presentation Formats

  • State and professional-association conferences

  • Continuing-education programs

  • Healthcare organization seminars

  • Professional-license risk and compliance training

  • Panel discussions and moderated conversations

  • Custom presentations for medical and nursing audiences

Speaking Engagement Inquiry