By the time Patrick graduated from OACS he had already developed a reputation as a defender of individual rights. In 1981 he graduated from Bucknell University with a BS in Business Administration. From there Patrick went on to Notre Dame Law School where he received a Juris Doctor degree in 1984. After obtaining his law degree, Patrick joined the Syracuse office of Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC as a business and corporate attorney. In 1993, he became a partner in the firm.
Patrick is a graduate of "Leadership Greater Syracuse," a program in which promising business people are trained in making a greater impact on the community's well-being. In 1998 he was a member of the inaugural group to receive the city's "40 Under 40" award, recognizing 40 central New York individuals under the age of 40 for their business achievements and civic involvement.
Patrick has authored numerous publications and legal papers on matters of business and healthcare law, and has been quoted as a legal authority in several trade and general-interest publications. He has also been a frequent lecturer on various legal topics, both to other attorneys and to the general public.
His civic involvement includes a being a past president and current member of the Board of Directors of the Syracuse Opera Company, membership in the Board of Trustees of Everson Museum of Art, and past membership in the Board of Directors of the Fayetteville-Manlius Education Foundation.