Joseph Cagnoli, Jr. is a 1988 graduate of Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA. After graduation, he attended Widener University School of Law where he achieved his Juris Doctorate in 1992. At Widener, Mr. Cagnoli was elected President of the Environmental Law and Policy Society. Also during law school, he worked as the law clerk for the Appellate Division of the Dauphin County Public Defender's Office.

Following his graduation from law school, Mr. Cagnoli entered the defense litigation field with Marshall and Farrell, P.C. There he focused on medical and other professional malpractice claims as well as products and general liability. In 1995 he joined Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin. Since that time, he has focused his practice in the areas of toxic tort, asbestos and general liability litigation.  Mr. Cagnoli serves as National Counsel for asbestos clients and has lectured on various topics for a number of organizations including the Pennsylvania Insurance Society and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Claims Association where he served as the Chair of the Legislation Committee.