Joe attended Concordia University, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972. He then continued his education at Western University in London, Ontario, obtaining a Bachelor of Law degree in 1976. He then moved to Edmonton, Alberta where he has practiced law ever since, presently practicing law in the Edmonton office of Braithwaite Boyle.

He was Alberta council for Green Peace for a number of years, and maintains an avid interest in world affairs, travel and sports. He has been working primarily in the area of personal injury law and litigation for the past 20 years.