Joyce D. McKinniss

Joyce McKinniss is a trial lawyer who defends companies in high-stakes product liability litigation in challenging jurisdictions in state and federal courts. Joyce has served as first chair and second chair trial counsel in more than a dozen multiweek jury trials and has been a trial team member in more than 35 cases tried to verdict.

The depth and breadth of Joyce's trial experience gives her a unique insight and approach to all aspects of case development and trial strategy. Joyce has defended R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company nationwide in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits since 2009. She has extensive experience directing and managing trial teams, jurisdictional case workup teams, and joint defense groups. Clients trust Joyce to handle all aspects of discovery and trial preparation, including taking and defending depositions of plaintiffs and other critical fact witnesses; developing nuanced and creative factual and legal defenses; and taking and defending expert witness depositions in a variety of medical and scientific fields. Joyce also has experience representing clients in every aspect of a jury trial — from voir dire through verdict.

Joyce serves as the pro bono partner in the Columbus Office and is a member of the Columbus Office Recruiting Committee. She has an active pro bono practice and serves on the Board of Directors for Freedom a la Cart, a nonprofit organization that employs and empowers survivors of human trafficking in Columbus.