Patrick C. Dunican Jr.

As a former Executive Chairperson of a leading New Jersey law firm, Patrick C. Dunican Jr. is well known for his natural leadership abilities and strong background in business management. Drawing on this experience, Patrick excels at fostering relationships, addressing complex issues, and serving as a trusted advisor on business and legal matters. He is one of the region’s most respected commercial and business litigator, with more than 30 years’ experience trying significant cases in both state and federal courts.  

Patrick has been regularly recognized for his commitment to community involvement and corporate social responsibility, as well as his proven record of achievement in law and business. He also stays actively engaged in professional circles by holding leadership positions in trade associations and serving on various boards, such as the Iona University Board of Legal Trustees, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and the Irish American Bar Association.

A graduate of Iona University, Peter earned his J.D., cum laude, from Seton Hall University School of Law, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Seton Hall Law Review. Following graduation, he clerked for the Honorable Clarkson S. Fisher in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, where his impressive career journey began.

• 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 Association
• 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
• The Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey
• American Bar Association
• New Jersey State Bar Association
• Essex County Bar Association
• Association of the Federal Bar for the District of New Jersey
• 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