
Joseph P. Richardson
Member
Education
- J.D., Order of the Coif, magna cum laude, University of Kansas, 1985
- M.S., Columbia University, 1976
- M.A., Columbia University, 1974
- B.A., Lawrence University, 1973
- Profile
- Experience
- Professional + Civic
Joseph Richardson is a seasoned corporate attorney with over 35 years of experience representing both sellers and buyers in mergers, acquisitions, and other entity-based transactions. His practice also includes advising corporate officers and boards on governance issues, assisting with private placements of securities, and providing strategic counsel to commercial air carriers and corporate jet owners.
Joseph is an attorney with Gammage & Burnham, where he focuses on high-stakes corporate transactions, helping start-ups and established businesses navigate the complexities of mergers, acquisitions, and other business dealings. His extensive experience spans advising clients on corporate law and governance, private placements of securities, and capital raising matters, with particular emphasis on the aviation and banking sectors.
Joseph’s practice includes representing commercial air carriers and, more recently, corporate jet and helicopter owners, ensuring they navigate the complex regulatory and transactional landscapes with confidence. He has also been a key advisor in the organization and capital raising efforts of community banks, including serving as general counsel to the organizers of Scottsdale Community Bank, which in 2022 became the first Arizona community bank established in 14 years.
Throughout his distinguished career, Joseph has earned recognition from some of the most respected legal publications, including Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers. In 2019, he was named “Lawyer of the Year” in Phoenix for Corporate Governance by The Best Lawyers in America, a testament to his standing in the field.
When Joseph is not advising clients on multi-million-dollar transactions, he enjoys decompressing by finding the open road on two wheels. His passion for helping his clients and his deep knowledge of corporate governance and transactional law are what continue to drive his successful practice.
Outside his legal practice, Joseph is active in his community, enjoys spending time with his family and volunteers as a docent with the Desert Botanical Garden.
Court Admissions
- State Bar of Arizona
Significant Representations
- Representing three organizing groups in community bank formations.
- Represented the sale and acquisition of Boeing Business Jets and Gulfstream 550s for a leading Las Vegas resort.
- Represented a local Nasdaq company in several of its acquisitions of specialized providers of unique business assets.
- Assisted buyers and investors in several Arizona marijuana businesses.
- Represented four related sellers of a large East Valley retail produce business.
- Represented the seller of an online educational learning platform for John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
- Represented several organizing groups in their efforts to secure FDIC and other governmental agency licenses and permits to start de novo community banks.
Professional & Community Involvement
- Valley of the Sun United Way, Member (retired)
- Kids at Hope, Member (retired)
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Business Lawyers (2011-2012)
- American Bar Association, Member, Business Law Section (1985-current)
- Arizona Bar Association, Member (1985-current)