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Attorney Biography For Patrick Cotter

An Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer Fighting For Your Rights

Attorney Cotter is an experienced courtroom litigator specializing in the defense of felony, gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor criminal matters across the State of Minnesota. His practice also includes representing individuals involved in personal injury and medical malpractice cases. He prides himself on aggressively and fairly advocating for his clients. As a motivated sole practitioner, Mr. Cotter has exceptional management and research skills.

LEGAL EXPERIENCE:

Attorney and Counselor at Law
Administrator
Cotter Law Office, P.L.L.C

February 2005-present
Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Attorney and Counselor at Law
Assistant Municipal Prosecuting Attorney
Grannis and Hauge, P.A.

October 2002-January 2005
Eagan, Minnesota

Summer Associate
Lockridge Grindal Nauen P.L.L.P

June 2001-August 2001
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Law Clerk
Second Judicial District Public Defender Office

October 2000-May 2001
St. Paul, Minnesota

Law Clerk
Fifth Judicial District Public Defender Office

May 2000-August 2000
Mankato, Minnesota

Legal Intern
Minnesota AIDS Project Legal Department

August 1999-May 2000
Minneapolis, Minnesota

REPRESENTATIVE LITIGATION:

  • Represented hundreds of clients with felony, gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanors charges for various criminal crimes, including homicide, controlled substance, assault, burglary, sexual conduct, and DWI
  • Commenced twenty-five criminal trials, with fifteen acquittals or dismissals
  • Completed twelve jury trials to verdict, with seven acquittals
  • Provided representation in three high-profile, media cases:
    1. State of Minnesota v. David Markland - Assisted suicide
    2. State of Minnesota v. Mauricio Sanchez -Felony operation of motor vehicle/causing great bodily harm
    3. State of Minnesota v. Francisco Gaytan - Second degree criminal sexual conduct (two counts)
  • Litigated numerous contested evidentiary hearings in courts in several venues across the State of Minnesota

EDUCATION:

William Mitchell College of Law
Doctor of Jurisprudence: May 2002
Cumulative GPA: 3.10; Class Rank: Top 31%
Involvement: National Moot Court Competition representative; Rosalie E. Wahl Moot Court Competition semi-finalist; Minnesota Justice Foundation-Achievement in Volunteer Public Service; Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity Member

1999-2002
St. Paul, Minnesota

University of St. Thomas
Bachelor of Arts: December 1997
Major: Social Sciences Minor: Criminal Justice
Cumulative GPA: 3.49; Cum Laude

1995-1997
St. Paul, Minnesota

University of Minnesota
Honors: Scholar-Athlete Award Recipient, Dean's List

1994-1995
Minneapolis, Minnesota

University of Notre Dame

1993
South Bend, Indiana

BAR ADMISSIONS:

  • Minnesota, 2002
  • U.S. District Court District of Minnesota, 2003

AWARDS:

2004, 2005 Law & Politics "Rising Star Attorney"

MEMBERSHIPS:

  • Minnesota State Bar Association
  • Dakota County Bar Association
  • Ramsey County Bar Association
  • Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association
  • American Association for Justice

SERVICE WORK:

  • Pro Bono legal services
    • Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
    • Dakota County Family Self-Help Center