As the Obama-appointed U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan (2012-2017), Patrick was the chief legal and law enforcement officer covering 49 Michigan counties. This public service experience gave him unique insight into federal criminal and civil matters, as well as exposure to local, tribal, state and federal government officials.
Before his federal appointment, Patrick spent two decades in private practice handling business formation, mergers and acquisitions, financing and contracts. He helped minority and woman-owned businesses secure financing and certification and also guided clients through Michigan’s liquor licensing process. Patrick’s experience includes representing local governments in telecommunications public right-of-way management, cable television franchising, and Federal Communications Commission proceedings. This regulatory experience helps his clients as they navigate compliance requirements and government relations.
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
Current vice chair and former board treasurer, Hope Network
Former board treasurer, Spectrum Health Hospitals
Former board president, Grand Rapids Black Chamber of Commerce
Board member, Corewell Health Hospitals—West Foundation
Grammateus, Beta Omicron Chapter, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity
Honors
Honorary Doctor of Humanities, Saginaw Valley State University, 2023
The Best Lawyers in America, 2025
Grand Rapids Magazine Top Lawyers, 2022-2024
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