Patrick R. Anstead

Patrick R. Anstead developed his reputation as one of the most sought-after litigation attorneys in Southeastern, North Carolina by prioritizing cases involving the violation of constitutional rights and catastrophic personal injury. While studying law, Patrick clerked with the Craven County District Attorney’s Office as well as a private firm doing post-conviction relief and civil rights work. After law school, Patrick developed his reputation as an elite lawyer by taking cases that other attorneys turned down. Patrick has won cases against healthcare systems, multi-state insurance companies, and the United States government.  Several of his cases have been high-profile or designated by the court as complex litigation.  Patrick also maintains an active criminal litigation practice for individuals who are wrongfully accused or need to mitigate their exposure at sentencing. Patrick serves on the Civil Rights Pro Bono Panel in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina where he is regularly appointed by a United States Magistrate Judge to assist pro se claimants in mediation.  Patrick has won substantial awards against the law enforcement officers who illegally raided and searched his client’s home, and a detention officer who used excessive force and fractured his client’s arm. Patrick is admitted to practice before the North Carolina Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, and the United States Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.  Patrick is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in International Affairs. He earned his law degree from the North Carolina Central University School of Law.  Patrick is an active member of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, and he currently serves on the executive committee of the Cumberland County Bar Association.  Mr. Anstead and his wife are parishioners at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and enjoy spending their free time in the mountains of North Carolina. Â