Joseph G. Sauder represents individuals, survivors of sexual abuse, consumers, small businesses, and employees in complex litigation nationwide. He currently serves as court-appointed lead counsel in numerous class actions and mass torts in both state and federal courts across the country. Mr. Sauder has successfully litigated cases against some of the largest corporations in the world.
Mr. Sauder began his legal career as a prosecutor in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office (1998–2003), where he tried hundreds of criminal cases to verdict, including cases involving sexual assault.
His advocacy has earned national recognition. In 2023, The National Law Journal named him to its Plaintiffs’ Lawyers Trailblazers, recognizing him as a “born leader” and “true agent of change.” He was the only attorney from Pennsylvania selected to this elite list of just 51 lawyers nationwide. He was also recognized by Lawdragon in its 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers (since 2022), which honors attorneys on the front lines of consumer litigation and its 500 Leading Civil Rights & Plaintiff Employment Lawyers (since 2023), honoring his work fighting for suvivors of sex abuse.
The American Lawyer named Mr. Sauder to its Northeast Trailblazers (2021), recognizing lawyers who have significantly impacted the legal industry across nine Northeastern states. The Legal Intelligencer named him a Pennsylvania Trailblazer (2020), citing his leadership in institutional sex abuse litigation and advocacy on behalf of women and children.
He has been recognized annually by his peers and legal industry organizations:
- Named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer (since 2011); Top 100 in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.
- Selected to National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania (since 2012).
Mr. Sauder earned both his B.S. in Finance, magna cum laude (1995), and J.D. (1998) from Temple University, where he was a member of the Temple Law Review. His scholarly publications include:
- How a Criminal Defendant’s Death Pending Direct Appeal Affects the Victim’s Right to Restitution Under the Abatement Ab Initio Doctrine, 71 Temp. L. Rev. 347 (1998)
- Enacting and Enforcing Felony Animal Cruelty Laws to Prevent Violence Against Humans, 6 Animal L. 1 (2000)
Mr. Sauder has remained deeply committed to public service. He has taught trial advocacy to Philadelphia high school students for mock trial competitions, served on the Executive Committee of the Temple Law Alumni Association, and as Vice President of the Philadelphia District Attorneys’ Alumni Association. His pro bono work includes representing children through the Support Center for Child Advocates, assisting clergy abuse survivors, and advising local businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. He and his wife established a scholarship endowment at a local community college to support first-generation college students.
Outside the courtroom, Mr. Sauder enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. A lifelong ice hockey player since age four, he has played and coached the sport internationally.
