S. Joseph Stephens, III

Partner

Joe’s practice primarily focuses on assisting client employers of all sizes with a wide range of labor and employment issues.  He has counseled employers on matters involving the Fair Labor Standards Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the National Labor Relations Act, and employment contract law.

Joe has substantial experience defending employers against charges filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and similar state employment commissions, as well as matters in state and federal courts across the country. He also works closely with employers to ensure that problems do not reach litigation by consulting on appropriate methods to manage risk in the workplace.

Prior to joining the firm, Joe served as a law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio for U.S. District Judge Timothy S. Black and in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky for U.S. Magistrate Judge Candace J. Smith. In those positions he gained experience researching and writing for matters before the court.

Joe received his J.D. from Indiana University Maurer School of Law, where he also served as editor-in-chief of the Indiana Law Journal.

Credentials

Education

Indiana University Maurer School of Law (J.D., magna cum laude, 2015)

  • Order of the Coif
  • Indiana Law Journal, Vol. 90, editor-in-chief

The Ohio State University (B.S., 2011)

  • Political Science
  • Economics

Bar admissions

  • Ohio
  • Kentucky
Publications
  • January 29, 2025

    Trump Administration’s First Week Signals Huge Changes to DEI Rules for Employers

  • August 21, 2024

    FTC Rule Prohibiting Non-Compete Agreements Set Aside by Texas Court

  • July 8, 2024

    Texas Court Decision Limits FTC’s Non-Compete Ban, Casting Doubt on Future Enforcement

  • April 23, 2024

    Federal Trade Commission Votes to Ban Non-Compete Agreements

  • August 9, 2023

    A Potential Overhaul of Noncompete Law is on the Horizon

  • April 19, 2023

    CFPB Releases New Required Form for Use in Employee Background Check Process

  • December 20, 2022

    New NLRB Opinion Means Employers on the Hook for Expanded Damages in Labor Violation Cases

  • September 8, 2022

    New NLRB Proposed Joint Employer Standard May Substantially Increase Liability For Employers

  • July 12, 2021

    Biden Executive Order Calls for Ban on Noncompete Agreements

  • March 18, 2020

    The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Weighs in on COVID-19

News
  • August 21, 2025

    260 Dinsmore Attorneys Listed as 2026 Best Lawyers®, Ones to Watch

  • January 1, 2025

    Dinsmore Announces 16 Partner Promotions, New Board Members and Department Leaders

  • December 17, 2024

    35 Dinsmore Attorneys Named 2025 Ohio Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

  • December 29, 2023

    Ohio Super Lawyers Recognizes 30 Dinsmore Attorneys on 2024 List

  • December 29, 2022

    Ohio Super Lawyers Honors 36 Dinsmore Attorneys

  • December 30, 2021

    44 Dinsmore Attorneys Named Ohio Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Events
  • December 6, 2024

    Credits & More – Continuing Legal Education Seminar

  • October 24, 2023

    Labor & Employment Law Update