Cunningham Bounds is proud to announce that Joseph McGowin has been elevated to Partner, recognizing the depth of his trial experience, his leadership within the firm, and his commitment to representing individuals and families facing the consequences of serious wrongdoing.
Joseph has built a career around accountability, especially in cases where the stakes are high and the defense is well-funded. He’s known for meticulous case development, strong courtroom instincts, and a steady approach that clients rely on when outcomes matter most.
A Career Built in the Courtroom
Joseph began his practice in Mobile, where he developed early trial experience representing people harmed by medical errors and preventable negligence. He later practiced in Houston, where his work expanded to cases nationwide involving serious maritime and offshore injuries, oilfield and industrial accidents, and catastrophic trucking collisions.
In 2023, Joseph returned to Alabama and joined Cunningham Bounds. Since then, he has played a central role in high-stakes litigation across our firm’s personal injury and wrongful death docket, including complex cases involving defective products, medical malpractice, and maritime claims. His work has quickly earned the trust of clients, colleagues, and the broader legal community.
Representative Results
Over the course of his career, Joseph has helped clients secure significant recoveries in complex cases, including:
- $36 million settlement for a Mobile County resident injured in a motor vehicle collision
- $6.25 million settlement for an offshore worker injured in a lift basket
- $6 million settlement on behalf of a railroad worker killed in a locomotive collision
- $5 million settlement in a wrongful death case against a student travel com
- Multiple medical malpractice verdicts exceeding $4 million
- Consistent seven-figure recoveries in complex maritime, industrial, and wrongful death matters
Joseph has been recognized with honors including Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® (2024–2026), Super Lawyers Rising Stars (Texas and the Mid-South), and Mobile’s “40 Under 40” (2026). His case results have also been featured by TopVerdict.com, including placements among the Top 100 U.S. Motor Vehicle Accident Jury Verdicts (2020) and Top 20 Texas Personal Injury Verdicts (2021).
Outside the office, Joseph enjoys time with his wife and two daughters, fishing along the Gulf Coast, and Alabama football in the fall.
Continuing Cunningham Bounds’ Trial Tradition
Joseph’s promotion reflects Cunningham Bounds’ ongoing investment in the next generation of trial leaders and reinforces our long-standing focus on courtroom excellence in consequential plaintiff-side litigation.
Our firm remains committed to fighting for plaintiffs in serious injury matters, products liability cases, industrial accidents, and complex civil litigation.