BCPK attorney happy to be plying trade in his hometown

By RITA DUCKWORTH
    In January 2018, attorney Joe Harvath joined Byron Carlson Petri & Kalb, LLC (BCPK). A native of Edwardsville, he is happy to be establishing a career in his hometown.
    Harvath’s law practice covers a wide variety of legal issues. He is involved in commercial litigation, business transactions, real estate, and estate planning and administration.
    “Every day is a little different,” he says. “I’m always surprised how my experience in one case will apply and benefit my practice in other areas of the law.”
    The partners at BCPK make a point of encouraging their associates to experience different facets of the law. This is something that Harvath appreciates, as it allows him to discover where he excels. “From the first day they’ve asked what interested me and what I wanted to do,” recalls Harvath. “When there’s a project I enjoy, everyone here is really great about letting me know if similar work comes across their desk and getting me involved.”
    Harvath’s favorite part of his work is his face-to-face involvement with clients. He finds it very satisfying to be able to help his clients successfully navigate through issues they are experiencing, or prevent problems from arising altogether. “It’s always a great day for me when a client calls and wants me to know that they’re glad they came to me.”
    Harvath did his undergraduate studies at Bradley University in Peoria, Ill. He wanted to be a history teacher. At the same time, a cousin working at a Milwaukee law firm invited him to shadow him there.
    “It was eye-opening,” he says. “I saw the day-to-day work that went on there and really enjoyed it. It got the ball rolling toward my legal career.”
    After earning his bachelor’s degree, Harvath went to law school at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he graduated cum laude. He worked at a Metro East law firm for about three years before accepting the position at BCPK.
    While at law school, Harvath served as editor of the SIU Law Journal. He volunteered for Equip for Equality, an organization that advances the civil rights of people with disabilities through legal services, public policy and advocacy. He is currently involved in giving back to the community as a board member for Family Hospice.
    Harvath is married, with a 2-year-old daughter. Living in the Edwardsville area, he appreciates being near family and friends and seeing his daughter have the same experiences he had growing up. As a family, they enjoy exploring the Madison County Trail and all the other outdoor activities the region has to offer.