In Memoriam: 

Joseph (Joe) Duffy

The Morgan Lewis community mourns the sudden and tragic loss of our partner and dear friend Joe Duffy, who passed away this week at the age of 51 following an unexpected heart attack.

Joe spent his entire career at Morgan Lewis. He joined our firm in the Philadelphia office in 2000, relocated to Los Angeles with his wife and our former colleague, Daffodil Tyminski, and was elevated to partner in 2008. Over the course of 24 years, he became a cornerstone of our litigation practice and a vital presence in our Los Angeles office—where he once served as managing partner—and a bridge between our Philadelphia and California communities.

A nationally recognized class action lawyer and co-head of the Retail Industry team, Joe was known for his steady leadership, sharp advocacy, and deep loyalty to his clients and colleagues. His practice focused on complex consumer and financial services litigation, and his work earned recognition from Law360 as a Rising Star and an MVP. Joe’s judgment, kindness, and humility shaped the careers of many and left an enduring mark on our firm.

He was selfless, inclusive, and endlessly generous—the kind of partner and friend who made everyone feel seen and supported. He had an easy wit and a gift for perspective, often reminding others in difficult moments, “You’ve been through hard things before, and you’ll make it through again.” Joe was often referred to as “the hub of energy and culture for two coasts,” someone who connected people simply because it brought him joy.

Deeply devoted to his family, Joe also took enormous pride in being a Morgan Lewis partner and embodied what that meant every day—genuine, loyal, and kind, the same person in every room. His love for his wife, his family in New Jersey, his fellow Eagles and Phillies fans, and his many friends across the firm reflected a deep sense of gratitude for life’s relationships. He lived well and accomplished so much in his all-too-short years, leaving behind lessons in grace, generosity, and the quiet strength of showing up for others.

Joe is survived by Daff, his parents, and his brother. Our firmwide community extends its heartfelt condolences to them. At Morgan Lewis, we are grateful for everything we learned from Joe in our precious time with him, and we will remember him always for his friendship, his humor, and the light he brought to every room.