J. P. “Jake” Joyce

Practice Areas: Criminal Law, Traffic Violations, Domestic Relations, Juvenile Court, Personal Injury

John P. Joyce — “Jake” —  is a relative newcomer to the Charlottesville area, but with many years of experience as a lawyer. He moved here with his wife and two young children in 2010.  Jake grew up in Massachusetts, and attended Middlebury College in Vermont, graduating in 1993.  He went to Boston College Law School, graduating in 1998.  He and his wife, Carrie, then moved to Colorado for 12 years.  He practiced with a couple of law firms in Denver, and then hung out his own shingle in 2002.  He spent 8 years in solo practice, emphasizing criminal defense and family law while also working part-time for a firm doing indigent criminal defense in Denver.

In addition to his law practice, Jake guided groups of students from Denver’s Manual High School — most of whom were not native English speakers — through the High School Mock Trial Competition.  He also volunteered his time with Junior Achievement and Project Homeless Connect.  While he was in law school, he was the Director of Shelter Legal Services, a group of law students and attorneys who helped women with their legal issues at Rosie’s Place, a homeless shelter in Boston.  These days, if he is not in court or at the office, Jake is likely at one of his kids’ swim meets, soccer practices, or T-ball games.

Jake joined Snook & Haughey in June, 2012.  His practice primarily involves criminal and traffic defense, personal injury and family law.