Joseph T. Cleary

Joe formed Cleary & Josem LLP after serving as a partner at the law firm of Markowitz & Richman. In 2025, he joined Spear Wilderman in an Of Counsel capacity. Joe has deep roots in the union movement.  Prior to becoming a lawyer, Joe worked in the union movement as an officer of United Auto Workers Local 1612 for over 20 years.  He held various positions in the local union and was elected shop steward when he was 18 years old.  Joe was a full-time Shop Chairman for the local for over 15 years.  He is now a member of the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York bars, as well as of the Federal and Appellate courts in these states.  Joe graduated from St. Joseph’s University and Temple University Law School where he attended night school while holding an elected union office position and working at his plumber’s job at a Philadelphia manufacturing plant.  In addition to representing labor unions, Joe represents numerous health, pension and annuity funds, providing advice and counsel on a variety of matters ranging from plan drafting to deadlock issues.