About News

Lerners Partner Joseph Hentz Wins Prestigious Lexpert “Rising Star” Award

As a partner in our London and Strathroy offices, Joe understands that success in private practice means providing “business first” advice and exceptional client service. Called to the bar in 2015, he joined the firm’s active business law and real estate groups, quickly developing a practice focused on M&A, corporate reorganizations, commercial transactions and financing encompassing a wide variety of industries and businesses.

Joe is invested in the firm’s success. He has positioned himself at the forefront of several key emerging legal trends, allowing the firm to pursue opportunities to develop expertise in new business lines, such as a growing niche expertise in agribusiness. He assumed the lead role in the acquisition and subsequent management of the Lerners Strathroy office, where he draws on his experience growing up on his family’s farm – where he continues to contribute – to foster meaningful connections with his agribusiness clientele.

Recognized for his expertise, Joe believes that prioritizing individuals is the key to achieving success. He consistently dedicates time to engage with, support, and guide emerging lawyers, fulfilling his role as a mentor within and beyond the organization.

Joe also has a long track record of serving the community, and was an Infantry Officer with the Canadian Armed Forces for 15 years. Through two deployments to Kandahar, Afghanistan, he led and conducted combat and peace support operations in a counterinsurgency environment, where he also trained and mentored junior officers and soldiers on leadership, tactics, and administration. In his spare time, Joe coaches competitive minor hockey teams and is a board member with the Port Stanley Minor Hockey Association.

“Joe is a well-respected member of our firm. His dedication to client service, peer mentorship, and community service make him especially deserving of this award. Joe truly embodies our firm’s values of excellence, respect, leadership, integrity, and courage, and has been instrumental in the continued success of our business law group, particularly in his leadership of our agribusiness practice,” says Yola Ventresca, Managing Partner of Lerners’ London office. “His work ethic sets an example for all of us, and we’re proud to have him as a member of our firm.”

Presented annually by Lexpert, the Rising Stars awards celebrate lawyers under 40 from across Canada who are at the top of the legal profession — both within their offices and their local communities. Winners are selected by an advisory board of distinguished members of the legal community.

Congratulations to all winners!