Patrick C. Dunican Jr.

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Patrick C. Dunican Jr. represents a unique combination of legal experience, executive leadership, and strategic consulting capabilities. His 18-year tenure as Managing Director and Executive Chairperson of one of the region’s largest law firms, combined with over three decades of transformational higher education governance, positions him as an exceptional advisor for organizations navigating complex challenges. Patrick's distinctive ability to integrate legal acumen with crisis management and operational excellence makes him an invaluable resource for law firms, corporations, and educational institutions seeking strategic guidance. Whether addressing internal firm dynamics, managing crisis communications, or driving organizational growth, Patrick delivers practical solutions grounded in extensive real-world experience and a proven track record of measurable results across multiple sectors.

Law Firm Consulting & Advisory

Patrick provides comprehensive consulting and management services to law firms facing complex operational and internal challenges. Drawing from his 18 years of executive leadership, he offers strategic guidance on firm operations, organizational restructuring, and performance optimization. His deep understanding of business, particularly law firm dynamics and regulatory requirements, makes him an invaluable resource for companies navigating sensitive internal matters, regulatory investigations, professional responsibility issues, and organizational transformation initiatives.

Strategic Business Development

Patrick's greatest strength is his ability to leverage an extensive professional network to facilitate introductions, partnerships and business opportunities, bringing together the right people and resources to realize optimal business growth strategy. His years as an executive leader and active community and industry involvement provide clients with comprehensive client development services that address both immediate challenges and long-term growth objectives.

Risk Management

Patrick provides comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation strategies for legal organizations and corporate clients. His risk management practice includes developing compliance programs, conducting vulnerability assessments, creating crisis preparedness protocols, and implementing preventive measures to protect against professional liability, regulatory violations, and reputational damage. He assists clients in identifying potential exposure areas, developing response protocols, and establishing monitoring systems to ensure ongoing risk mitigation.

Crisis Management & Communications

Patrick delivers sophisticated crisis management services that combine legal strategy with proactive communications. He develops comprehensive crisis response plans, manages stakeholder communications during sensitive situations, coordinates with media relations teams, and provides real-time strategic guidance during crisis events. His approach includes reputation management, message development, and the coordination of legal and communications strategies to minimize damage and facilitate recovery.

Higher Education Governance

Patrick provides counseling services to higher education institutions, leveraging over two decades of transformational board leadership experience. As Chair of Iona University's Board of Legal Trustees for over 13 years, Patrick led the strategic transition from College to University status, directed the acquisition of the Bronxville campus, and established the School of Health Sciences. His fundraising leadership secured a $20 million transformational gift from New York Presbyterian Hospital. Through 20 years on Seton Hall Law School's Board of Visitors, including service as Chair, Patrick contributed to elevating the institution to become New Jersey's top-ranked law school.

Competitive Edge

• Real world experience as Managing Partner/Executive Chair

• Relationship-driven, trust-based advisory approach

• Crisis management and communications background

• Extensive experience in higher education governance

• Extensive professional network

Whether supporting legal institutions, corporate clients, or academic organizations, Patrick’s approach consistently delivers measurable results and lasting positive impact.

• Iona University Board of Legal Trustees
  • Chair, 2020-2022
  • Vice Chair, 2016-2020
  • Trustee, 2013-2023
• Seton Hall University School of Law
  • Founding Member, Board of Visitors
  • Chair, Board of Visitors, 2013-2016
  • Vice Chair, 2009-2013
• New Jersey State Bar Foundation
  • Second Vice President, 2012-2014
  • Treasurer, 2011-2012
  • Secretary, 2009-2011
  • Trustee, 2007-2009
• Independent College Fund of New Jersey
  • Trustee, 2017-2021
• New Jersey Performing Arts Center
  • Board of Directors
  • Council of Trustees
• Irish American Bar Association
  • Founding Member
• Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey
• American Bar Association
• New Jersey State Bar Association
• Essex County Bar Association
• Best Lawyers Advisory Board
• New York State Bar Association
• Bar Association of the City of New York
• American Bar Foundation
  • Fellow

• Best Lawyers® lists, Commercial Litigation; Corporate
• New Jersey Super Lawyers lists, Business Litigation; Top 100 Attorneys in New Jersey
• New York Metro Super Lawyers list, Business Litigation
• Benchmark Litigation “Local Litigation Stars” list
• NJBIZ‘s “100 Most Powerful People in New Jersey Business” lists, 2011 – 2021
• InsiderNJ’s “New Jersey’s Irish American Leaders” lists, 2022 – 2025
• New Jersey Law Journal “Trailblazers” list, 2020
• ROI-NJ “Influencers: Higher Education” list, Key Contributors: Business Partners, 2020
• Donegal County (Ireland) Council Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award, 2019
• Irish American Cultural Institute Annie Moore Award, 2018
• Essex County Bar Association and New Jersey Commission on Professionalism “Professional Lawyer of the Year Award,” 2017
• Seton Hall University School of Law’s Saint Thomas More Medal, 2015
• Irish Education 100, 2015, 2017
• “Irish American Leaders of New Jersey” list by PolitickerNJ, 2015
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund Award of Excellence, 2014
• Vagelos Award for Corporate Commitment to the Arts, 2013
• Iona College Legacy Award, 2013
• Distinguished Alumnus Award, Seton Hall University School of Law list, 2011
• Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, 2007
• NJBIZ’s “40 Under 40” list, 2004
• New Jersey Law Journal’s “40 Under 40,“ 2004
• Distinguished Young Graduate, Seton Hall Law School Alumni Association, 2002

Please see Honor and Award Methodology. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.