Meet the Man Behind Patrick McHugh Law

Attorney Profile

Patrick J. McHugh represents corporate clients in complex business disputes in federal and state court through trial and appeal, including mediation and arbitration. Core to his practice is crisis management, leading immediate response teams on temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunction hearings.

His representation of clients covers a broad array of matters, including trade secrets, intellectual property, asset valuations, breach of contract (merger agreements, indemnities, material adverse change clauses, third-party marketing agreements, and investment advisory and finder’s fee agreements), insured liabilities, products liability, tortious interference, unfair trade practice and Lanham Act violations. He represents labor unions and local union membership at all stages, NLRB proceedings, grievances, and disciplinary actions through mediation, settlement, or arbitration.

Clerkships

Law Clerk to Hon. Joseph M. McLaughlin,

  • United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, 1990 – 1991
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, 1989 – 1990

Education

  • Cornell Law School (J.D. 1989, cum laude) Editor, Cornell Law Review
  • Fordham University (B.A. 1986, summa cum laude, in cursu honorum), Dean’s List, Phi Beta Kappa, Pi Sigma Alpha, Phi Kappa Phi, The Fordham Club
  • Chaminade High School, 1983

Bar Admissions

  • New York, 1990
  • Connecticut, 1995

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut

Speaking Engagements

  • Speaker, “Litigation Perspectives on Post-Closing Issues Involving Private Equity Transactions and Hedge Fund Investing,” presented to Fordham University Gabelli School of Business undergraduate class, (December 2017)
  • Moderator, “Patent Trolls,” panelists including in-house counsel, plaintiff’s counsel, and state regulatory enforcement, (September 2016)
  • Moderator, “Federal Rules Changes,” with panelists Magistrate Judge Joan G. Margolis and a member of the National Standing Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure, (February 2015)
  • Panelist, “The Effects of Twombly and Iqbal on 12(b)(6) Motion Practice,” Moderated by Hon. Mark Kravitz, Chair, Standing Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure, (February 2011)

Honors and Awards

  • Nominated Member of the Connecticut Bar Foundation
  • Appointed by Chief Judge of the District of Connecticut to Committee on District Rule changes to accommodate national electronic PACER/ECF docket case management system (2015 -2018)
  • Recognized as Benchmark Litigation Star
  • Recognized as Best Lawyers in Connecticut
  • Recognized as a Connecticut Super Lawyer in Business Litigation, Intellectual Property Litigation