Licensed In
State of Illinois
State of Wisconsin
United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois
Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals
United States Court of Federal Claims
Education
J.D., Northern Illinois University College of Law, cum laude
B.A., Arizona State University, magna cum laude
Prior to attending law school, Patricia graduated with high honors from Arizona State University. She is an honors graduate of the Northern Illinois University College of Law where she placed first in the Law School’s annual moot court competition. She also had the opportunity to compete nationally in moot court competitions in Austin, Texas and Chicago, Illinois where she placed in the top four teams. While a law student, Patricia also had the privilege of participating in judicial internships for two summers at the Winnebago County Courthouse. She also worked as a law clerk for a plaintiff’s personal injury firm in DuPage County. Following law school, Patricia completed a year-long fellowship organized through the Illinois Bar Foundation and Northern Illinois University where she served the Zeke Giorgi Clinic as an attorney to indigent clients within the community seeking orders of protection in domestic violence cases, as well as those in need of estate planning services.
Experience
Patricia concentrates her practice on civil and commercial litigation, personal injury, appellate advocacy, and collaborative divorce. Her practice includes both plaintiff and defense work and covers a wide range of issues including wrongful death, auto injuries, slip and fall and dog bite cases, contract and construction disputes, intellectual property and trade secret litigation, and a variety of trust disputes. As part of her injury practice, Patricia also represents clients in vaccine injury cases before the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. In addition to her litigation practice, Patricia serves as a guardian ad litem in family disputes and has a passion for helping families resolve their divorce cases through the collaborative process outside of court. Patricia also routinely hears cases as an arbitrator participating in the Illinois 17th Judicial Circuit’s Court Annexed Mandatory Arbitration Program.
Patricia has a particular interest in appellate work. She has represented clients in the Illinois Appellate Courts and before the Seventh Circuit and is a contributing author to the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education’s publication on appeals. Patricia has also authored pieces for the Illinois Defense Counsel Quarterly relative to workers compensation, tort litigation and appellate practice.
Community Involvement
Patricia is a volunteer lawyer for Prairie State Legal Services Volunteer Lawyer Program assisting victims in domestic violence cases. She serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for Carrie Lynn Center, Inc. She is also a member of and has served as a Director on the Board of Directors for the Winnebago County Bar Association and is a member of the Illinois State and Federal Bar Associations.
