Patrick M. Collins

Patrick Collins, a partner in the firm's Litigation practice and decorated former federal prosecutor, is a highly accomplished investigator and trial attorney who specializes in representing companies and individuals in complex civil and criminal matters throughout the United States. Considered one of the highest profile attorneys in Chicago, Patrick has tried over 20 federal cases to verdict, and prevailed in each of them.

Since joining the firm in April 2007, Patrick has established and aggressively grown the Chicago Office's Investigations and White Collar practice. Patrick has led teams conducting internal investigations for Fortune 500 companies and public entities, and has represented individuals and companies in sensitive probes before various U.S. Attorneys' Offices, the SEC and the CFTC. He also has advised clients on other significant legal matters, including matters involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

During his two years with Perkins Coie, Patrick has been selected for numerous high-profile public engagements. In September 2009, Patrick was appointed by the United States Trustee and confirmed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court as the Chapter 11 trustee for the A & O Life Fund LLC and six related estates, which case involves allegations of fraud relating to millions of dollars of life insurance policies involving hundreds of investors. In January 2009, Patrick also was appointed by Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn to chair the Illinois Reform Commission, which was tasked with making recommendations for ethical reform for Illinois government. In 2007, Patrick was selected as lead trial counsel for the Indiana Attorney General's Office in a ground-breaking civil RICO case, and, in 2008, as outside counsel for Wayne County Airport Authority's investigation of its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program.

Prior to joining the firm, Patrick was an Assistant U.S. Attorney for 12 years in Chicago, the last four of which were as a supervisor in the corruption unit for U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald. During his tenure, he spearheaded several, high-profile, highly successful complex investigations. Most notably, Patrick led the eight-year Operation Safe Road investigation, which culminated in the six-month trial and conviction of former Illinois Governor George Ryan. The Ryan case, in which Ryan's defense team was led by Dan Webb, garnered nationwide interest.

Patrick regularly speaks to in-house counsel and corporate audiences on a variety of white collar topics, including conducting internal investigations and responding to sensitive inquiries by government agencies. Patrick also regularly appears on television and is a frequent op-ed contributor on local and national legal topics.

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS

• Serves as Chapter 11 trustee in the bankruptcy case involving A & O Life Fund LLC and six related entities
• Serves as lead trial counsel for the Indiana Attorney General's Office in a ground-breaking racketeering case
• Led internal investigation for the Wayne County Authority Airport regarding its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program
• Obtained dismissal of a federal fraud complaint against a business executive
• Represented individuals and entities before U.S. Attorneys' Offices, the SEC and the CFTC
• Conducted sensitive, high-profile representations for four Fortune 500 companies

Professional Recognition

• Selected as one of Chicago's "Top Ten" attorneys over the last decade, Chicago Law Bulletin, 2010
• Listed in The Best Lawyers in America, 2010
• Federal Bureau of Investigation Director's Award for Performance in an Outstanding Criminal Investigation, Hired Truck Scandal, 2008
• Listed as an Illinois Super Lawyer as published by Law & Politics, 2008 - 2010 
• Chicago Lawyer,  "Ex-Prosecutor Begins to Build a Book of Business," 2007
• Operation Safe Road
  • Attorney General's Award for Superior Performance by Litigative Team, 2006
  • Chicago Crime Commission, "Stars of Distinction Award," 2006
  • Director's Award for Superior Performance as an AUSA, 2003
  • Chief Postal Inspector's Award, 2003
• The American Lawyer, "Fed Hots - Eleven AUSAs Worth Tracking," 2003
• Crain's Chicago Business, "40 Under 40," 2003

Professional Leadership

• The University of Chicago Law School, Volunteer Trial Advocacy Instructor, 1997 - 1999

Community Involvement

• Horizons for Youth, Founder, Former President, Co-Chair Leadership Council, Longtime Volunteer, 1991 - present
• Constitutional Rights Foundation, Board Member, 2007 - present
• Legal Aid Bureau of Metropolitan Family Services, Board Member, 2007 - present
• Better Government Association, Board Member, 2008 - present
• Illinois Reform Commission, Chair, 2009 - present

Related Employment

• U.S. Attorney's Office, Chicago, IL, Assistant United States Attorney, 1995 - 2007; Deputy Chief, Public Corruption Section, 2004 - 2007 
• Sachnoff & Weaver, Ltd., Chicago, IL, Associate, 1991 - 1995
• The Collins Law Firm, Chicago, IL, Partner, 1995
• The First Boston Corporation, New York, NY, and Chicago, IL, Financial Analyst, 1986 - 1988