Overview
Joe is a fourth generation lawyer. His family has a long tradition of practicing law ranging from service in the district attorney's office and in the JAG Corps, to representing tax, corporate, and real estate clients at all levels in the community. Joe has kept that tradition going for more than 25 years.
Clients value Joe’s creativity. They know he will think differently about their issues and find solutions that are outside their realm of experience. He has a background in economics and accounting. His first job out of law school was doing tax accounting at an international professional services firm. The tax perspective and marketing skills he learned at that first job continue to shape his approach to client service today.
Joe advises clients on complex sales and acquisitions of companies, real estate transactions and financings, and sophisticated tax planning and structuring. He routinely works with clients in structuring their investment entities and offerings as well as developing or acquiring real estate and business assets. He helps clients develop and finance numerous high profile retail, industrial and multi-family developments in Wisconsin and across the country including zoning and other entitlement issues. He has extensive experience with tax increment financing, new market tax credits, bond financing, historic tax credits, tenancies in common, installment sales, and Section 1031 exchanges.
Joe works with clients in real estate, food and beverage, education, construction, manufacturing, and other general business areas. His clients include investment groups, developers and businesses who add value and jobs to their communities as well as nonprofits devoted to educating and supporting children.
Outside the office Joe is a board member for the Milwaukee Chapter of Ducks Unlimited. He is also a board member of the Milwaukee Torrent, a professional soccer team. Joe is a soccer coach for both kids and adults with more than twenty years of coaching experience. He is also a supporter of the Women's Care Center in Milwaukee as well as Unbound, an international charity that supports children in poverty.
Experience
Membership & Involvement
Amundsen Davis Executive Committee
Member: NAIOP; International Council of Shopping Centers; Commercial Association of Realtors
Wisconsin State Bar: Member, Real Property Probate and Trust Section, Past Chair
Honors
- Listed in Chambers USA as a leader in Real Estate Law: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
- Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ rated
- Selected to The Best Lawyers in America® in Tax Law: 2024, 2025, 2026
- Selected to The Best Lawyers in America® in Corporate Law: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
- Selected to The Best Lawyers in America® in Real Estate Law: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
- Selected to The Best Lawyers in America® in Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships): 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
- Selected to the Wisconsin Super Lawyers list: 2013, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
- Selected to Wisconsin Law Journal Leader in the Law: 2018
- Listed as M Magazine Best Lawyers: 2013
- Listed as American Lawyer Media and Martindale Hubbell's Top Rated Lawyer in Banking & Finance Law: 2013
- Selected to the Wisconsin Super Lawyers "Rising Stars" list: 2007
Resources & Insights
In the Media
Alerts
Speaking Engagements
Blog Posts
Education on Demand
Firm News
- Real Estate Team and Attorneys Joseph Tierney and Brian Randall Recognized by Chambers USA for 2026
Real Estate Team and Attorneys Joseph Tierney and Brian Randall Recognized by Chambers USA for 2026Amundsen Davis LLC is proud to announce that Joe Tierney and Brian Randall of the firm’s Real Estate team have been recognized in the 2026 Chambers USA Guide, one of the legal industry’s most respected ranking publications.
- 117 Amundsen Davis Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers® in 2026 in America
117 Amundsen Davis Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers® in 2026 in AmericaWe are proud to congratulate 117 of our attorneys on being recognized by Best Lawyers® in 2026 in America.
- 85 Amundsen Davis Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers® in 2025 in America
85 Amundsen Davis Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers® in 2025 in AmericaWe are proud to congratulate 85 of our attorneys on being recognized by Best Lawyers® in 2025 in America.
- Tax Changes Affecting Real Estate
Tax Changes Affecting Real EstateJoin Joe Tierney at the Commercial Real Estate Roundtable Forum as he presents, "Tax Changes Affecting Real Estate."
Education
University of Wisconsin Law School, J.D., 1995
Marquette University, B.S., 1992, with honors
Admissions
- Wisconsin
