• Hofstra University School of Law, JD (1979) 
• State University of New York at Buffalo, BA (1975)

• Columbian Lawyers Association of Nassau Distinguished Service Award (2006)
• Asian-Pacific American law Student Association Award (2006) 
• New York State Bar Association Award for Recognition (2006) 
• Long Beach Lawyers Association Man of the Year Award (2005) 
• Fraternal Order of Court Officers Honorable Edward J. Hart Jr. Memorial Award (2005) 
• The Italian Heritage Club Award (2002)
• Italian Court Officers off Nassau and Suffolk County Award for Dedication and Loyalty (1996)

Judge Covello concentrates his ADR practice on the resolution of substantial personal injury, wrongful death, Labor Law, Construction and Commercial matters. His extensive experience with civil litigation, both as a judge and practicing attorney, instill confidence in the ADR process, as Judge Covello works with the parties to resolve their case. As a former Appellate Judge, he understands case value ranges from New York’s unique counties, and the differences between counties.

Before stepping down from the Appellate Division – New York’s highest intermediate appellate court -- in 2011, Justice Joseph Covello had over 30 years of experience, divided almost evenly between the private practice of law, and service as a judge. Judge Covello was known as a “lawyer’s judge,” and is a “client’s lawyer.”

Judge Covello’s 16 years on the bench culminated in his appointments by the Governor, first as an Associate Justice of the Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department, and ultimately to one of the seven seats on the Second Department’s constitutional bench. Judge Covello authored numerous opinions. Notable cases include People v. Rodriguez (69 AD3d 169), Bazakos v. Lewis (56 AD3d 15) and Matter of Government Employees Ins. Co. v. Lopez (44 AD3d 256).

Prior to his appointment to the Appellate Division, Judge Covello served as a trial judge in the Supreme Court, Nassau County; on the Appellate Term for the Ninth and Tenth Judicial Districts; and as a trial judge in the District Court, Nassau County. Before taking the bench, Judge Covello spent 16 years in the private practice of law, both with respected firms, and in his own practice.

While in private practice, Judge Covello was associate lead counsel in the celebrated case of In Re: Agent Orange, and served as counsel to both the Nassau County Police Indemnification Review Board, and the Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals. Judge Covello was an Adjunct Professor of Law at Hofstra University School of Law, teaching, among other classes, advanced appellate advocacy. Judge Covello is a veteran of the United States Army, having volunteered upon his completion of secondary school. While serving he was selected for and served in the U.S. Army Presidential Honor Guard in Arlington, Virginia.