Patrick L. Cotter

Patrick is an accomplished attorney who has extensive trial experience in both criminal and civil cases. Patrick has completed well over 100 jury and court trials in both criminal and civil matters with 70 jury trials completed to verdict. Patrick has gained valuable experience as both a prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney where he has spent nearly every day in the courtroom. He has extensive experience assisting individuals charged with criminal offenses in both Federal and State court. Patrick utilizes his courtroom experience to secure fair and just compensation for individuals who have suffered a personal injury or wrongful death of a loved one. Patrick is the immediate President of the Dakota County Bar Association after serving two terms on its board. Patrick served two three year terms on the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Board of Directors, then an additional five years on the executive committee, serving as President during the 2021-2022 term.  Patrick volunteers as a Referee in Dakota County District Court presiding over conciliation court cases, and he volunteers for Dakota County Legal Aid assisting individuals and children who are victims of domestic abuse. Patrick is proud that many of his clients are referred to him from other attorneys and judges. Patrick walked-on to the University of Notre Dame football team coming out of high school. He later competed with distinction as a two-sport collegiate athlete in both Football and Track & Field at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. Patrick earned his Bachelor’s Degree Cum Laude from St. Thomas in 1997. He went on to receive his law degree from William Mitchell College of Law in 2002.