Joe entered law school because of the challenge, because his wife, then Lisa Urrizola (’86), was already a first-year student, and because he wanted a backup plan if his career as a professional football kicker didn’t work out. He did kick for the Houston Oilers and New York Giants football teams (with game-winning kicks) for three years, flying between games and law school classes at SJCL. (SJCL even sent him congratulatory telegrams when he won a game.) In 1986 he started a clerkship at Chinello, Chinello, Shelton & Auchard, a general practice firm, continuing with them as an Associate after passing the bar. With all he learned there about being a lawyer, Joe opened Cooper & Cooper in August of 1993. His practice is primarily civil litigation, business litigation, transactional work, and estate and succession planning. Joe also represents non-profits throughout the country, assisting them with myriad compliance matters. “It was exciting to be part of the early years of the law school. We felt like we were the brick and mortar of the place.”