Joel received an undergraduate degree in history and political science from Albion College, in Albion, Michigan. He then earned a law degree from The College of William and Mary in Virginia. He has practiced law in Petoskey, Michigan, for over 30 years.
He has been an adjunct instructor of business law at North Central Michigan College. He has also been a board member of Northern Community Mediation and continues to serve NCM as a volunteer mediator.
Joel is counsel for several Northern Michigan townships and county road commissions. He also provides legal advice and services to a broad range of area businesses and individuals.
His practice areas include municipal, real estate, business, banking, estate planning, and probate matters. He also provides private mediation services.
​His historic office is located along Pennsylvania Park in Downtown Petoskey.