Joseph R. Harbeson
Partner
Rutgers University (J.D., 1978); Princeton University (B.A., 1974)

Ph: (516) 663-6545
Fx: (516) 663-6745
Email: jharbeson@rmfpc.com
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Joseph R. Harbeson is a partner at Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, where he is chair of the firm’s Construction Practice Group and a member of the Litigation Department and Employment Practice Group.

Mr. Harbeson practices construction law, including contracts, project transactional work and compliance with trust fund obligations, as well as all types of construction and commercial litigation. He has extensive experience in disputes arising out of construction projects, including mechanic’s liens, public bidding and issues involving performance and payment bond sureties; municipal law, including Article 78 and plenary challenges to governmental action; landlord/tenant and other real estate disputes, including challenges to municipal zoning actions; transportation, particularly relating to the school bus industry; negligence and contract disputes; and appellate practice in all areas.

In labor and discrimination he has successfully represented clients in claims under Title VII and the Americans with Disabilities Act, both in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies. He has defended “hybrid” claims involving wrongful termination of union employees coupled with claims of union breaches of the duty of fair representation, and has represented employers in labor arbitrations.

Mr. Harbeson is an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Tuckahoe and a member of the Westchester County Bar Association and Duchess County Bar Association. He also serves as a Habitat for Humanity mentor.

At St. John’s, in addition to being counsel to the Vestry, he has served as a Warden and member of the Vestry. He also serves as the Chair of the Stewardship and Cemetery Committees and sings in the choir.

Publications

• "It's Smart to Plan Ahead for Change Orders" (New York Construction, March 2005)