Patricia Brown Holmes

Patricia Brown Holmes is the managing partner of Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP and a nationally recognized leader in the legal profession. She represents corporate clients in high-stakes commercial litigation, class actions, internal investigations, white collar defense, compliance counseling, and ESG matters, including diversity audits and crisis management for organizations facing sensitive challenges.

Patricia earned her Bachelor of Science in 1983 and her Juris Doctor in 1986 from the University of Illinois College of Law. Before entering private practice, she served as an Assistant State’s Attorney, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, and later as an associate judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County. Her broad background—spanning prosecution, defense, and the judiciary—gives her a distinctive perspective when handling complex, high-profile disputes.

Patricia has tried cases in state, federal, and appellate courts, including arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court. Known for her ability to guide clients through “bet-the-company” matters, Patricia Brown Holmes regularly assists with regulatory investigations, compliance issues, and corporate crisis management. She is also widely respected as a mediator, applying her judicial experience, impartial judgment, and strategic approach to resolving disputes across industries.

Beyond litigation, Patricia is a sought-after speaker on topics including legal ethics, compliance, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has earned consistent recognition from Best Lawyers, Chambers USA, Super Lawyers, and Lawdragon 500.

Patricia Brown Holmes’ honors include the ABA Diversity Leadership Award, the Justice John Paul Stevens Award, and repeated listings among Illinois Super Lawyers. As a litigator, mediator, educator, and mentor, she continues to shape the profession, cementing her reputation as one of the nation’s most accomplished and influential lawyers.

Law Office Affiliations

• Managing Partner, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, American Law Institute
• Former President, Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago, Inc.
• Member, The Chicago American Inn of Court
• Member, Business Leadership Council
• Former President, Chicago Bar Association
• Board of Directors, The Chicago Network
• Member, The Cook County Bar Association
• Former Co-Chair, Illinois Judges Association
• Former Chair, Illinois Judicial Council Foundation
• Fellow, Illinois State Bar Association
• Member, Women’s White Collar Defense Association (WWCDA)

Licensed State

• Illinois

Education

• University of Illinois College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Illinois
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges