About Joel Nagel
Founder and managing partner of specialist law firm Nagel & Associates, LLC, attorney Joel Nagel was educated at Georgetown University of Law, graduating with an L.L.M. with highest distinction in 1990. He received his law degree (JD) from West Virginia University. He studied as a Fulbright Scholar in 1987 at the Rheinische-Fredrich Wilhelms University in Bonn, Germany, as well as The Hague Academy of International Law. He received his undergraduate degree in Political Science and German with honors from Allegheny College.
Early Career Highlights
Joel has worked in the Office of the Chief Counsel for International Commerce of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Fluent in German, he was appointed as a law clerk at the Commission of the European Communities in Brussels, Directorate-General’s Office for Competition Law. He started his legal career at Buchanan Ingersoll before founding Nagel & Associates, LLC in Sewickley, Pennsylvania.
International Law
Joel’s early fascination with, and study of, international law, specifically international business structures and asset protection, provided an immediate focus for the law firm. Nagel & Associates works exclusively in the area of private international law and focuses on commercial transactions and business strategy and asset protection. The firm advises U.S.-based corporations on how best to manage strategic investments in other regions of the world. Joel’s specialty is in advising high-profile clients in finding new business opportunities and structuring business entities in foreign markets. He also assists them with immigration and emigration matters including residency and second citizenship programs. He also served on the board of over 20 companies, and is a well-regarded entrepreneur and investment advisor. He was featured in Forbes Magazine as an expert in asset protection.
International Investments
Joel worked closely with an investment group to secure and structure Gran Pacifica, a resort complex on the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua. He was also an advisor for a similar resort in Ambergris Caye, Belize. Both resorts cater heavily towards a senior lifestyle and helping U.S. retirees make the most of their retirement investments. Joel was responsible for the successful implementation of the first Central American and African motorbus distribution facilities for a significant U.S. based bus line. As an American Football enthusiast, he has invested in the Austria-based American Football team, the Vienna Vikings. Joel has written articles about overseas retirement investments for several publications and was featured in U.S. News & World Report. He was invited to be a keynote speaker at the Central American International Investment Symposium, as well as numerous “Live & Invest Overseas” conferences.
International Advisor
With extensive experience in Central America and as part of his commitment to give back to the communities within which he works, Joel also dedicates much of his time to working in public service for the government of Belize. He has served as a diplomat to the United Nations Offices in Vienna as well as representing Belize’s interests in Slovenia, Croatia and Austria. Joel is Chairman of the Board at Caye International Bank.
Philanthropy and Personal Life
Joel lives in Sewickly, Pennsylvania with his wife, Dr. Susan E. Nagel and their seven children. Joel and his family are dedicated to their community both at home and abroad, through his work for Rotary International. He served as President of the Rotary Club of Pittsburgh, where he raised funds for three Roberto Clemente Health Clinics in LaReforma, Nicaragua. He has also served as District Governor for the Rotary Clubs of Western Pennsylvania and as Rotary International’s ‘President’s Representative’.
