Joe grew up in Casselton, North Dakota and attended Minnesota State University Moorhead, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications. After working in the media for over a decade, he attended Western Michigan University, Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan.
Following law school, Joe worked for the law firm Thompson Hall Santi Cerny & Katkov in Minneapolis, Minnesota, focusing his practice on business startups, corporate litigation, and broadcast law.
In 2012, Joe moved to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and started the Joe Irby Law Firm before moving the firm to Moorhead in 2016. In 2018, Joe partnered with Elizabeth Brainard to form Irby Brainard Law Firm, PLLC, where he handles criminal defense, family and domestic law, business startups, and broadcast matters.
In his spare time, Joe enjoys golfing, boating, biking, attending music concerts, guest DJ’ing at local radio stations, and most of all, spending time with his family and friends.
Joe is licensed to practice in Minnesota State and Federal Courts. He is a former member of the board of directors for the Detroit Lakes Boys and Girls Club and volunteers for the Humane Society of the Lakes Area.
