Meet Michael
A. Joanow
Experience • Integrity • Fairness
MEET MICHAEL JOANOW
Nearly 40 Years of Legal Experience. Deep Roots in Mercer County.
Michael A. Joanow has practiced law since 1988, building a career that has included judicial clerkship experience, civil litigation, and representation of individuals and families throughout Mercer County and the surrounding region.
His professional experience began as a law clerk to the Honorable Francis J. Fornelli. He subsequently worked as an associate attorney, became a partner in private practice, and established Joanow Legal Group in Hermitage, where he serves as managing partner.
Throughout his career, Joanow has represented clients in matters involving personal injury, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and other civil disputes. His work has involved people facing difficult legal, medical, and financial circumstances.
Alongside his legal practice, Joanow has participated in community organizations, youth athletics, local government advisory work, and professional legal associations. His 2027 candidacy for the Mercer County Court of Common Pleas follows decades of professional and community involvement in the county.
38
Years in Legal Practice
2
State Bar Admissions
7
Published Practice Areas
01.
Legal practice
since 1988
02.
Mercer County
community service
03.
Civil litigation
experience
HIS BACKGROUND
A Career in Law. A Lifetime in Mercer County.
Mercer County is where Michael Joanow has built his professional career and established his family life. He and Laurie, his wife of 33 years, reside in Hermitage and have four children.
Joanow graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1985 and earned his law degree from Ohio Northern University’s Pettit College of Law in 1988. While attending law school, he participated in moot court and client counseling activities, was involved in the Student Bar Association, and received recognition through the Order of Barristers.
After graduating, he began his legal career clerking for Judge Francis J. Fornelli from 1988 to 1989. He went on to practice with Routman, Moore, Goldstone & Valentino from 1989 to 1997, followed by a partnership at Douglas & Joseph from 1997 to 2007.
In 2007, Joanow became managing partner of Joanow Legal Group. The Hermitage-based practice has represented clients in workers’ compensation, personal injury, disability, and civil litigation matters.
Outside his law practice, Joanow has participated in youth sports organizations, food assistance initiatives, local recreation programs, and other community activities. His involvement includes leadership roles with Hermitage Little League and service on the City of Hermitage Parks and Recreation Board.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Experience, Education & Community
A background in court service, civil practice, legal education, and Mercer County community involvement.
01.
Judicial Clerkship & Courtroom Experience
EARLY LEGAL CAREER — Joanow began his legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable Francis J. Fornelli from 1988 to 1989. He subsequently entered private practice, gaining experience in civil litigation and representing clients in legal disputes. His career has included work as an associate attorney, law firm partner, and managing partner.
02.
Representing Individuals & Families
LEGAL PRACTICE — For nearly four decades, Joanow has represented clients in matters involving personal injury, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and civil litigation. His practice has included helping individuals navigate claims, legal proceedings, and disputes that can affect their employment, financial circumstances, and families.
03.
Education & Professional Admissions
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS — Joanow earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1985 and his Juris Doctor from Ohio Northern University in 1988. He was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1988 and the Ohio bar in 1989. He has also served in leadership positions within the Mercer County Bar Association and Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division.
04.
Mercer County Community Service
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT — Joanow’s community involvement has included serving as chairman of the City of Hermitage Parks and Recreation Board, executive board member and past president of Hermitage Little League, and board member of the Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County. He has also participated in the Hermitage Girls Softball Association and local faith-based community activities.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Rooted in Mercer County
For Michael Joanow, community involvement has included years of participation in organizations serving local families, children, and residents in need.
His volunteer history includes work with the City of Hermitage Parks and Recreation Board, where he served as chairman, and Hermitage Little League, where he has held executive board and presidential roles. He has also served with the Hermitage Girls Softball Association, supporting the administration and organization of youth athletics.
Beyond recreation and youth sports, Joanow has served on the board of the Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County, an organization addressing food insecurity in the region. His community history also includes leadership and parish council service at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.
These activities are part of a longstanding connection to Mercer County that extends beyond his legal practice and includes organizations supporting local families and community life.
Youth & Recreation
Board service with the Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County, supporting an organization addressing food insecurity.
Supporting Local Families
Leadership positions in local and state bar associations, together with participation in community and faith-based organizations.
Professional & Civic Service