Patrick J. Hannon

Patrick is a seasoned trial attorney, concentrating on employment and employment-related litigation and arbitration, as well as disputes between partners and shareholders in closely held corporations.

Patrick leads the firm’s trial practice. Patrick began his career as a trial attorney with the United States Department of Justice and has litigated hundreds of cases (conducting both bench and jury trials) in state and federal courts across the country. Since entering private practice, Patrick has been a forceful advocate for individuals working in a broad variety of industries, including private equity, healthcare, financial services, entertainment, information technology, insurance, and real estate development.

Patrick’s clients range from senior executives at Fortune 500 companies to whistleblowers earning minimum wage. Representative matters include disputes concerning non-payment of wages, breach of contract, fraudulent inducement, trade secrets, non-compete obligations, defamation, and various discriminatory employment practices, including those based on age, gender and handicap, as well as retaliation for activity protected under state and federal laws, such as SOX, Dodd-Frank and the FCA.

Patrick litigates disputes in a practical and cost-effective manner. He explains complicated factual and legal issues in simple, straightforward language, and approaches every case with an eye towards presenting it to a judge or jury. In addition to his litigation practice, Patrick regularly advises individuals and businesses on executive compensation agreements, employee mobility issues (i.e., non-compete/non-disclosure obligations), and related matters. Patrick is also often engaged to represent senior management teams in “change of control” transactions to help protect the unique rights and interests of senior management.

A significant portion of Patrick’s practice arises in the field of private equity, where he often assists executives in matters concerning complex incentive compensation arrangements. Patrick is also heavily engaged in the ever-changing field of whistleblower rights.

In May 2015, Patrick was named among Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, Excellence in the Law Honorees. While with the Justice Department, Patrick was formally recognized as an “Outstanding Attorney” for his work on behalf of the United States. Before entering the government, Patrick served as a law clerk for the Honorable Gene Carter of the United States District Court for the District of Maine. Patrick was selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2022 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Patrick earned his B.A. from Boston College and his J.D. magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, from Boston College Law School. He serves as Attorney Coach for the Newton North High School Mock Trial Team (2016 and 2018 State Champions!).