2022 Trusted Advisers Attorney: Joseph Passanise

It’s not enough for Joseph Passanise to know the law. Defending his clients also requires establishing trust and credibility.

“When I see a client, they are experiencing immense stress and uncertainty,” says Passanise, managing partner and criminal defense attorney at Wampler & Passanise Law Office PC. “Not judging them, listening to their perspective and educating them on the process and decision points is critical. They are in a process that they have no control over and are often at high risk for much time in custody.”

Devising strategies to address clients’ current issues is key, he says, but so is helping clients get focused on long-term goals. That often requires working long days, nights, weekends and holidays.

“The little things make a difference in their lives, and I often try to find what will help make a difference to encourage them along the way during my representation,” says Passanise.

“Clients want to be heard,” he adds, “and even if their perspectives or points are not relevant to the issue, they want someone to believe in them and value them as individuals. I try and go above and beyond by listening and developing a strategy in their case, treating them with dignity and respect.”

Passanise began his career 25 years ago and is licensed to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Western and Eastern district federal courts in Missouri. He is a fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, a member of the National Child Abuse Defense and Resource Center, and past president of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Passanise has often been recognized for his work: He’s received the President’s Award from the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, the Charles Shaw Trial Advocacy Award from the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and, as a younger attorney, the Lon O. Hocker Award from The Missouri Bar Foundation. Since 2006, Passanise has been featured in Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine, and since 2007, he has been in the peer-reviewed Best Lawyers in America and been named to the invitation-only National Trial Lawyers Top 100.

“It is hard to imagine a lawyer with more accolades and honors than Joe,” says W. Thomas Fowler Jr., president of State Bank of Southwest Missouri. “However, those accomplishments pale when compared to the countless lives that he has made better with his sound advice in personal matters, professional matters and legal matters.”

In addition to advocating on behalf of his clients, Passanise seeks to help them beyond their legal cases.

“Believing in them and looking for the good reminds them of the good they possess to make a difference,” he says. “Helping them change their patterns and behaviors starts with credibility. Listening, advising and processing the issues help gain trust and credibility.”