Patrick represents and advises companies ranging in size from small local startups and private ventures to large publicly held international corporations. His clients appreciate his knowledge of the law as well as his ability to provide practical advice and legal solutions rather than obstacles. He seeks win-win outcomes in negotiations and brings a business approach to legal challenges.
Notably, Patrick served as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan from July 2012 to January 2017 by appointment of President Barack Obama. As a federal prosecutor, he focused on prosecuting those who exploited children, committed violent crimes or defrauded taxpayers, seniors and institutions, as well as on improving relations between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Patrick also worked to prevent crime and helped people from becoming victims. Serving as the chief federal law enforcement and legal officer in Western Michigan’s 49 counties provided him with unique insights into a wide variety of federal criminal and civil legal matters, as well as exposure to local, tribal, state and federal government officials.
Prior to his time in public service, Patrick spent over 20 years in private practice for large law firms in Grand Rapids, where he counseled clients on entity formation, equity and debt financing transactions, mergers and acquisitions, minority and women-owned business formation, financing and certification, contracts and Michigan liquor licensing.
He also represented local governments nationwide in connection with telecommunications provider public right-of-way management and litigation, cable television franchising, rate regulation and customer service, cellular antenna leases, as well as Federal Communications Commission litigation, rulemakings and proceedings.
Patrick is an active volunteer in the community and a frequent author and speaker to professional audiences on legal issues, professionalism, diversity and inclusion and to youth audiences regarding leadership and service. He offers an extraordinary perspective to teenage audiences, as he graduated from high school at age 16.
Professional and Community Involvement
Former president, Grand Rapids Bar Association, 2004-2005
Former trustee, Grand Rapids Bar Association, 1999-2002
Former board of trustees chairman, Aquinas College
Former board chairman, Inner-City Christian Fellowship/Nonprofit Housing Corporation
Former board treasurer, Hope Network
Former board treasurer, Spectrum Health Hospitals
Former board president, Grand Rapids Black Chamber of Commerce
Honors
Grand Rapids Magazine Top Lawyers, 2022-2023
Grand Rapids Business Journal's Notable West Michigan Lawyers, 2023
Michigan Super Lawyers, 2006-2011
Michigan Jaycees, Outstanding Young Michigander Award, 2005
State Bar of Michigan Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, 1996
Grand Rapids Business Journal's 40 Under 40 business leaders, 2002, 2005 and 2007
Number of other awards from the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, West Michigan United Way, NAACP, Grand Rapids Jaycees, and National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives