Joseph Teller, also known as Joseph T. Klempner, is a renowned author who was born and raised in New York City. After completing his education, he graduated from the College of Wooster in Ohio in 1961 and from the University of Michigan Law School in 1964. Teller's professional journey began in New York City, where he was admitted to the bar in 1965. However, he took a break from his legal career to work as an agent with the Federal Bureau of Narcotics for three years, during which he conducted undercover work.
Teller then returned to his legal practice and spent the next 35 years working as a criminal defense attorney. During this time, he represented a wide range of clients, including murderers, drug dealers, thieves, and even a serial killer. When New York State restored the death penalty in the nineties, Teller was one of the few lawyers selected to represent capital defendants. He underwent special training for this purpose and represented several clients, including winning an acquittal for a man accused of committing a double murder.
After many years of practicing law, Teller decided to pursue a new path and began writing fiction. He now lives in rural upstate New York with his wife, Sandy, who is an antiques dealer. Teller's unique background as a criminal defense attorney has provided him with a wealth of material to draw upon in his writing, making his work both authentic and compelling.