Patricia Brown Holmes

Partner

Patricia Brown Holmes is a highly respected and accomplished lawyer who focuses her practice on high-stakes, “bet-the-company” commercial disputes and litigation; class actions; investigations and white collar criminal defense; environmental, social, and governance issues (ESG) such as diversity audits; and risk, reputation, and crisis management counseling for her wide range of public and private corporate clients.  Patricia is the first Black woman to lead and have her name on the door of a major law firm that is not women- or minority-owned. As a former state court judge and experienced prosecutor and defense lawyer, she brings a unique variety of capabilities to her practice. Patricia’s comprehensive trial experience, coupled with her deft management abilities, position her as a valuable advocate and trusted adviser to her clients.

Prior to serving as an associate judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Patricia was an Assistant U.S. Attorney and an Assistant State’s Attorney. She is one of only a handful of attorneys in the State of Illinois who has tried cases in state, city, and federal court as well as state appellate, federal appellate, and state supreme courts.

Patricia has practiced in courtrooms from all sides of the bench – as a prosecutor, defense attorney, and as a judge. Given her familiarity with sensitive legal matters, she is also especially qualified to conduct internal investigations and assist clients in managing their most critical “bet-the-company” crises. She is keen on business continuity, media and public relations, risk assessment, conflict resolution and recovery, and recurrence prevention. Every matter ends with lessons learned. Applying sound judgment, creative strategies, and common sense, Patricia navigates complicated and delicate legal matters with appropriate discretion and poise.

Patricia is also a highly respected mediator (on all sides of the process), known for her exceptional skills in resolving complex legal disputes. Her former judicial experience, calm and convincing demeanor, as well as her impartial and strategic approach, make her highly effective in mediating a wide range of cases, from corporate conflicts to sensitive personal disputes. Her deep understanding of the law, combined with her exceptional communication skills, compassion, and commitment to finding fair, balanced solutions, ensures that all parties feel heard and respected throughout the process.

Patricia is widely recognized as an engaging speaker having presented to both corporations and law firms on a variety of continuing legal education topics, including ethics and diversity and inclusion. She has won many awards and accolades for her involvement in the legal community, mentoring successes, and efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

American Bar Association      Section of Litigation      Section of Business Law, White Collar Crime Committee      Section of State and Local Government Law American Law Institute, Class of 2020 Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago, Inc.      Past President (1997-1998) and Founding Member (1987)      Visionary Award (2005)      Vanguard Award (2017) Business Leadership Council The Chicago American Inn of Court Chicago Bar Association, Past President (2015-2016) Board of Managers (2011-2017)      Dickerson Award Recipient (2013)      Blue Ribbon Committee on Juvenile Justice, Chair Chicago Lawyer/Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Women's Advisory Board (2018) The Chicago Network, Board of Directors The Cook County Bar Association      Centennial Presidential Award for Dedication to the Bar (2014)      Judicial Award (1998) De Novo Business (new publication for law firm leaders), Editorial Advisory Board (2021) Economic Club of Chicago Just The Beginning – A Pipeline Organization, Chair of the Board of Directors (2007-2023) Law360      Diversity & Inclusion Editorial Advisory Board (2022)      Hospitality Editorial Advisory Board (2021) Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Illinois Judges Association, Former Co-Chair, Retired Judges Committee Illinois Judicial Council Foundation, Former Chair Distinguished Service Award (2005) Illinois State Bar Association Leadership Greater Chicago, Fellow, Class of ‘93 Distinguished Fellow Award (2012) Women's White Collar Defense Association (WWCDA)

University of Illinois College of Law, J.D., 1986
University of Illinois, B.S., 1983
Board of Trustees, Executive Committee Member (2011-2016, 2019-2025)