Photo of Patrick J. Cotter

Patrick J. Cotter

Officer

“We try to help clients avoid traditional white-collar problems by giving advice before they get into trouble. It’s a lot better to avoid getting indicted in the first place, of course, but if charges are made, we are ready to strongly defend our clients and their interests.”

Admissions

  • Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Indiana
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court,  Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court, District of Delaware
  • U.S. District Court, District of New Mexico
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit

Education

J.D., New York University School of Law, 1982

B.S. with highest honors, Illinois State University, 1978

Profile

As a former federal prosecutor and longtime white-collar defense attorney, Patrick Cotter knows the ins and outs of government investigations. In his role as leader of the firm’s Government Interaction practice group, he assists clients dealing with an array of government agencies, including the FBI, EPA, IRS, FTC and Department of Justice.

Pat’s approach focuses on prevention, identifying potential risks for clients subject to government oversight and making plans to address those risks before problems arise. He reviews and drafts policies in areas including ethics and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and also has trained executives on business ethics and government regulations.

For clients already involved in a government investigation or facing indictment, Pat’s extensive trial experience gives him the skills to guide them through the process. He has represented clients in matters including financial, environmental, antitrust, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and cyber-crime issues. He is also experienced in representing businesses and individuals who have been the victims of crime, and in connection with whistleblower actions, internal corporate investigations, appellate matters and international criminal law issues.

In 2012, Pat was one of the lead defense attorneys in U.S. v. United Water, Inc., et al., a rare and legally significant trial victory over the EPA in a criminal case. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney in New York, he was one of the trial prosecutors in U.S. v. John Gotti, et al. He received the U.S. Attorney General's Distinguished Service Award for his work on the Gotti case.

Pat was a consultant to the U.N. Special Rapporteur investigating allegations of war crimes in the former Yugoslavia and was appointed by the International Tribunal to its Panel of Appointed Counsel. He has appeared as a legal commentator on television and radio, including on “Nightline,” National Public Radio, Court TV and A&E's “American Justice.” His legal commentary has appeared in newspapers in Chicago and around the country, and he has taught criminal law-related courses at universities in the U.S. and Ireland.

Professional Affiliations

  • National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
  • American Bar Association, White Collar Crime Section; Criminal Law Section; International Criminal Law Section
  • Association of Federal Defense Attorneys

Honors & Awards

Honors & Awards

  • The Best Lawyers in America, Criminal Defense: White Collar, 2016-2024
  • Illinois Super Lawyers, Criminal Defense: White Collar, Tax, Appellate, 2005-2008, 2011-2020, 2022-2023
  • Illinois Leading Lawyers, 2022
  • Irish Voice, Sixth Annual Legal 100, 2013

News & Insights

News

Seminars & Speaking Engagements

Blog Posts

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