Christian Riter Patno

Chris Patno ("Patno") is a great trial lawyer! Great trial lawyers like Patno are a rarity. They are the fighter pilots or trauma surgeons of the law. Try as they might, most lawyers are just not that impressive in a Courtroom. Patno is a notable exception. He has all the necessary brilliance a...nd skill required of a great trial lawyer--he commands attention, is believable, and is truly a master in the courtroom. Patno is organized and prepared. He makes a game plan and sticks to it. His focus is on proving the essential elements of the case while at the same time steering clear of the sideshows and distractions that have the potential to distract the jury and tank a decent case. He has a great poker face and if the other side makes a point you'd certainly never get that from watching him. He comes across before a jury exactly as he is--passionate and eloquent, prepared, organized, effective and trustworthy. Watching him at trial is like a primer on how to do it right--know the evidence--inside out; respect the jurors’ time-- prove your points and move on; stay in the box--don't take cheap shots; manage the difficult witness on cross, but don't be a bully. I'm a physician and attorney and therefore an extremely tough client to represent in a malpractice case. Yet, he did it brilliantly with finesse. For me, the great trial lawyering part of it is a lawyer's ability to deliver the counterpunches of cross-examination, redirect examination, and rebuttal argument, where frequently the most significant pieces cannot be plotted out in advance. Patno can bob and weave with the best of them! As I waited for the jury's favorable verdict in my case, I did so knowing with certainty that Patno had put on the best possible case under the circumstances and represented my interests in a way that, win or lose, I felt vindicated.

Chris came into our lives during one of the darkest moments. My entire family was scared and worried. But he came in and immediately reassured us everything would be okay. He is one of the most professional people I have every known, his skills and warmth were a guiding light in this difficult time. ...He treated us like family. Once in the courtroom, we realized we were right to put our trust in him. He was quick on his feet, concise, respectful, smart and immensely well versed in the law and our case. He knew every detail; his memory and communication skills are impressive to say the least. Through out the legal process and all the challenges we had to faced, it was amazing to watch Chris Patno at work. He is an incredibly talented lawyer. I hope we never need a lawyer again, but if we ever do I have no doubt we would hire Chris again.