Family law
Patrick accepts instructions in both public and private children law cases. He represents local authorities, parents, guardians and interveners at every stage of proceedings. He’s comfortable being led or acting as junior alone and has experience in cases of the utmost gravity including child death, serious inflicted injuries, sexual abuse and phantom pregnancy.
Civil law
Professional Discipline
Patrick has appeared in a number of disciplinary tribunals including the NMC and HCPC.
Within the teaching sector he has defended before the Professional Conduct Panel of the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) as well as the Fitness to Practice Committee of the Education Workforce Council (EWC).
Patrick has previously represented a high-profile 'super-head' of a federation of schools in a 10 day case incolving allegations of inadequate provision for SEN pupils, health and safety breaches, bullying and exam malpractice.
More recently, Patrick’s practice has focused on presenting cases for the EWC. These cases have involved, amongst other things, allegations of dishonesty, fraud, assault and sexual misconduct.
Patrick has also sat as an independent legal adviser to school admission appeal panels.