Meet Patrick

Bio Honors & Awards Admissions Memberships Articles & Publications

Education
DePaul University, J.D. (2005)
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Bachelor of Science (2002)

Certifications
Certified Mediator, Northwestern University (2022)

By bringing a practical approach to problem solving, Patrick Ryan helps his clients move forward with their lives by addressing the complex, emotional and often difficult situations that arise in divorce cases.  As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional, Patrick helps clients to understand their current personal financial situation and plan for their financial future. He combines this with his sound understanding of Illinois law to create a practical approach that enables his clients to achieve the best possible results. Patrick is equally skilled in the arts of negotiation and litigation and understands the importance of preparation in both approaches. While he believes that great outcomes can be achieved through settlement, Patrick also understands that litigation is sometimes necessary to achieve the optimum results for his clients and does not shy away from the courtroom.

At the end of the day, Patrick understands the unique needs and goals of each of his clients, and uses his practical approach to achieve the best results for those clients, whether through negotiated settlement or contested litigation.

In 2012, Patrick successfully completed the rigorous American Bar Association/National Institute for Trial Advocacy Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute. The following year, he earned a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Certification, the recognized standard of excellence for competent and ethical personal financial planning.

  • Best Lawyers in America (2015-2024)
  • Illinois Super Lawyers - Rising Star (2011-2020)
  • Illinois Super Lawyers (2021-2023)
  • Leading Lawyers (2015-2020) 
  • Illinois (2005)
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois (2005)
  • Financial Planning Association
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • American Bar Association

Articles and Publications

Patrick continues to follow his passion for the law serving as an adjunct faculty member at DePaul’s College of Law, teaching Family Law Legal Drafting to law students. He is a frequent volunteer at Cabrini Green Legal Aid, where he also serves on the Young Professionals Board. In 2011, 2012 and 2013, Patrick was recognized by his peers as a “Rising Star” by Illinois Super Lawyers.

A lifelong resident of the City of Chicago, Patrick attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he spent a year working for the Champaign County State’s Attorney in the area of juvenile abuse and neglect. After graduating from the University of Illinois, Patrick returned to Chicago to attend DePaul University’s College of Law. While at DePaul, Patrick focused his studies on Family Law, earning a Certificate in Family Law, and graduated Cum Laude. During his time at DePaul, Patrick served as a law clerk in the Office of the Chief Judge of the Cook County Domestic Relations Division. He also spent a semester teaching Street Law, a course aimed at teaching the fundamentals of the American legal system to high school students, at Curie High School on Chicago’s South Side. While a student at DePaul, Patrick began his career at Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP as a law clerk, and after passing the bar, transitioned to an Associate within the Firm.

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Speaking Engagements

  • Co-presenter, "Taxation Issues Found in Family Law” CLE, Chicago Bar Association (February 2017)