Early Life & Career

Joe Musso is a dedicated advocate who has spent over 26 years fighting for the rights of nursing home and assisted living facility residents and their families. Originally from the East Coast, Joe built his legal career on a foundation of compassion, justice, and the unwavering belief that every person deserves dignified care in their most vulnerable years.

Joe’s path to law was driven by a calling to serve. Early in his career, he recognized the widespread issues of abuse and neglect within long-term care settings, and he committed himself fully to this area of the law. Since then, Joe has recovered millions of dollars for victims and their families and built a national reputation as both a skilled litigator and passionate educator.

Legal Training

Throughout his career, Joe has continually sharpened his legal skills while generously sharing his expertise with others. He has lectured across the country to lawyers, ombudsmen, family members, and advocacy organizations on how to recognize and prevent nursing home abuse and neglect. He created the “Empowered Advocate” system—an educational framework to equip families with the tools to advocate for their loved ones in care facilities.

Joe has also testified before state legislatures advocating for stronger staffing requirements in nursing homes, and he has co-counseled with attorneys nationwide to help prosecute abuse cases. His leadership in the field is reflected in his service roles, including former Chair of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Long Term Care Litigation Section and current President of the DC Trial Lawyers Association. He is also a past officer in the AAJ Nursing Home Litigation Group and an active member of several bar associations.