About
Patrick McNicholas is a seasoned trial lawyer with over 25 years of experience representing individuals in catastrophic injury, product liability, sexual assault, civil rights, aviation disasters, and class action cases. He has helped secure justice for countless clients through multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts that reflect his deep commitment to victims’ rights.
Patrick holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of San Francisco, where he also served as Student Body President. He earned his Juris Doctor from McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento.
Patrick has achieved major victories in the courtroom, including an $85 million settlement in a class action involving a vehicle safety flaw against Mercedes and a $44 million resolution for victims of an aviation accident. He also led a consumer fraud class action that resulted in a record-setting $41 million settlement in Orange County. His trial successes include a $10.8 million verdict for a student harmed by a teacher and $10 million awarded to a construction worker seriously hurt on-site.
Patrick is widely respected for his thought leadership in trial advocacy, frequently speaking on topics like expert witness strategies and cross-examinations. He has authored and lectured on employment law and trial preparation and continues to educate fellow attorneys on best practices in litigation.
Patrick is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a member of many key professional associations, including the American Board of Trial Advocates and Consumer Attorneys of California. He co-founded Urban Compass, an initiative that supports inner-city youth through education, where he also serves on the board.
Patrick McNicholas remains a dedicated advocate for injured individuals and underserved communities, using his experience and skill to hold powerful entities accountable. His proven success and ongoing service have made him one of the most trusted trial lawyers in California.
Law Office Affiliations
- Partner, McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP
- Member, International Academy of Trial Lawyers
- Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
- Board of Advisors, University of California, Irvine Civil Justice Research Institute
- Member, American Association for Justice
- Member, American Trial Lawyers Association
- Board of Governors, American Board of Trial Advocates
Licensed State
- California
Education
- McGeorge School of Law
Juris Doctor (JD) - University of San Francisco
BA in Political Science
Awards & Badges









- Aviation
- Brain injury
- Class action
- Defective and dangerous products
- Litigation
- Motorcycle accident
- Spinal cord injury