Joe Willms

Construction & Commercial Litigation

Joe Willms is a tenacious advocate and problem-solver who focuses his practice on commercial litigation and construction law. He represents business leaders, contractors, and developers in complex disputes involving high stakes business conflicts, contract claims, surety bond claims, and payment issues. Whether he’s advising on risk at the contract drafting stage or advocating in the courtroom, Joe brings strategic insight, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to protecting his clients’ interests.

Prior to joining Goosmann Law Firm, Joe spent nearly seven years at a regional firm where he managed litigation matters from inception through trial, mediation, and arbitration. He has deep experience navigating disputes involving construction contracts, business divorces, and employment matters. Joe’s clients also benefit from his knowledge of banking regulations, employment law, and telecommunications issues, giving him a broad foundation to tackle today’s interconnected legal challenges.

Joe earned his J.D. from Creighton University School of Law, where he served as Executive Editor of the Creighton Law Review and received the CALI Award in Advanced Legal Research. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and brings a global perspective and analytical mindset to his legal practice. Proficient in Spanish and passionate about travel, Joe thrives in dynamic environments and brings curiosity and drive to every case.

LICENSED IN: Nebraska

Joe’s Why

For Joe, being an attorney is worth it because it allows him to solve complex problems for real people—using his curiosity, grit, and global mindset to help clients navigate challenges and keep building toward what matters most. Joe loves assisting his clients by breaking down complex legal issues and matters into simple language that they can understand and appreciate. For Joe, being an attorney is about meeting clients where they are and helping them build toward and achieve their organizational goals.

Bar Admissions

• State: Nebraska

Education

• Creighton University School of Law, Omaha, NE
  • Juris Doctorate
• University of Nebraska-Omaha, Omaha, NE
  • Bachelor of Arts: International Studies
  • Concentrations: Global Strategic Studies and Area Studies
• University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
  • Study Abroad (September 2014): Program focused on post-Cold War international relations.

Employment

Woods Aitken LLP, Omaha, NE
Law Clerk and Associate Attorney, May 2018 – Mar. 2025

• Led and supported construction and commercial litigation matters from inception through trial, mediation, and arbitration, consistently achieving successful outcomes at trial.
• Conducted in-depth contract reviews and risk assessments for construction companies and business clients, offering strategic legal guidance tailored to their operational needs.
• Developed complex legal analyses and client memoranda across a range of practice areas, including construction law, business disputes, real estate, employment, and regulatory compliance.

Gallup, Omaha, NE
Client Support Coordinator, Apr. 2016 – Aug. 2017

• Provided technical support for Gallup’s clients and customers on Gallup’s public and client websites.
• Documented each incident to keep track of what platforms and projects Gallup supported the most.

Achievements

• Creighton University School of Law
  • CALI Award in Advanced Legal Research
  • Executive Editor of the Creighton Law Review (2019-2020)
  • Student Member of the Creighton Law Review (2018-2019)
  • Dean’s Academic Scholarship (2017-2018)
  • Hawkins Family Scholarship (2017-2018)

• University of Nebraska-Omaha
  • Student Leadership Conference in Chicago, IL (Fall 2014)
  • AIPAC Policy Conference (Spring 2015)
  • Emerson Fellowship (Fall 2015)
  • Dean’s List (Fall 2015)
  • Study Abroad through UNO in Israel (Summer 2014)

Community Involvement

• Active parishioner at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church
• Christians Encounter Christ Omaha
• Co-Founder and Co-President of Students Supporting Israel at UNO (2014-2015)
• Volunteered at the Intercultural Senior Center (2013-2014)