Joanne L. Zimolzak

Member


Joanne Zimolzak guides clients in highly regulated industries through the substantive and procedural complexities of commercial litigation. She has a strong will to win at trial and appeal but is sensitive to clients’ business concerns. A hard-fought defense verdict can be satisfying, but some of Joanne’s most substantial victories happen when she spots problems before the client does and resolves disagreements quickly and amicably.

Based in Washington, D.C., and often appearing in state and federal courts across the United States, Joanne represents businesses of different sizes and industries in breach of contract, non-performance, and non-payment issues.

In the insurance area, she helps carriers avoid or reduce significant exposure associated with bad faith allegations and professional negligence claims against insureds. Joanne also assists clients with navigating the federal and state regulatory environment, including litigating before administrative law judges and challenging administrative decisions in state and federal courts.  

Joanne’s administrative law and regulatory compliance work extends to businesses that have or are pursuing government contracts.

Besides litigating contract claims, award challenges, and procurement fraud matters, she counsels government contractors in internal investigations and obtains or prevents the release of information under the federal Freedom of Information Act and its state equivalents. 

A longtime supporter of pro bono activities and the local legal community, Joanne volunteers her time, talents, and energy as a board member with the Children’s Law Center and the D.C. Council for Court Excellence. She also enjoys mentoring law students and lawyers at all stages of their careers.

I value the collaboration with my clients. They bring a lot to the table. I welcome their input so I can deliver the advice they need and the results they want.
    • Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., Dean's List
    • University of Maryland, B.A., English, magna cum laude
  • Bar Admissions

    • District of Columbia
    • Maryland
  • Court Admissions

    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Federal Claims
    • U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
    • U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
    • Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Insurance Law; Commercial Litigation, 2018-Present

    • Recognized by D.C. Super Lawyers in the area of Insurance Coverage, Government Contracts, Business Litigation, and Health Care, 2018-2020

    • Dykema Women’s Business Initiative, Washington D.C. Leader

    • American Bar Association, Tort Trial and Insurance Practice, Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee (Vice-Chair, 2009 to present; Chair, Aug. 2018 - August 2019)

    • American Bar Association, Public Contract Law Section
      Member, Advisory Board, Georgetown Corporate Counsel Institute, 2015 - present

    • Member, Executive Committee, Council for Court Excellence - 2018 - present

    • Member, Board of Directors, Children's Law Center, 2015 - present

Latest News and Insights

Press Releases4.24.23

Seven Dykema Attorneys Listed as Washington, D.C., Super Lawyers and Rising Stars for 2023

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that seven attorneys from the firm’s…

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Legal Alerts4.21.23

Insurance Bad Faith Report, April 2023

Dykema’s nationally recognized insurance practice is pleased to present its April 2023 Insurance Bad…

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Press Releases4.4.23

Joanne Zimolzak Joins Canadian American Business Council's Board of Directors

Dykema is proud to share that Joanne Zimolzak has joined the Canadian American Business Council's…

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