Joseph F. Hennessey

With nearly four decades of experience in the criminal justice system, Attorney Joseph Hennessey brings an unmatched perspective and dedication to every case he handles. After serving 23 years as a police officer and now over 18 years as an attorney, Joe has built his career around one guiding principle: helping others. As a trial lawyer, he has successfully represented clients in complex criminal defense and personal injury cases. Recognized by Massachusetts Super Lawyers, Boston Magazine, and the National Trial Lawyers Organization as one of the Top 100 Defense Attorneys, Joe’s commitment to justice and client advocacy is widely respected throughout Massachusetts.

Joseph began his career in law enforcement while earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Administration from Western New England University. He went on to serve as a police officer for 23 years, receiving specialized training from the FBI, Massachusetts State Police, and Criminal Justice Training Council in homicide, narcotics, and crime scene investigations. Joe also worked undercover for seven years on regional drug task forces alongside the DEA, ATF, and Attorney General’s Office. His extensive training and experience gave him a deep understanding of investigative techniques, law enforcement procedures, and the complexities of the criminal justice system.

While serving as a police officer, Joe advanced his education by earning his Juris Doctor from the Massachusetts School of Law, where he concentrated in criminal law. After becoming an attorney, he gained valuable experience across several respected firms and corporate roles. Before founding Hennessey Law, Joseph began his legal career at Defilippis, Kaldis and Hennessey, PC, where he served as a partner, and as Senior Counsel at Dhar Law, LLP. He also continued to build on his investigative background as a Senior Global Investigator for a Fortune 500 company, where he oversaw corporate compliance programs and internal investigations worldwide. His work focused on high-value cases involving cybercrime, industrial espionage, and theft of trade secrets, including a multi-million-dollar platinum theft investigation conducted in collaboration with the FBI and Irish Garda. His diverse experience in law enforcement, investigation, and litigation has equipped him with a rare depth of insight and a comprehensive perspective that benefits every client he represents.

Joseph is deeply committed to strengthening the Massachusetts legal community as he currently serves as a Supervisor for the Worcester Bar Advocates, overseeing more than 125 attorneys, mentoring new court-appointed lawyers, and contributing to the CPCS Strategic Planning Committee to enhance statewide bar advocate programs. He is dedicated to providing every client with skilled, compassionate, and results-driven representation while continuing to uphold the highest standards of the legal profession.