Biography

Patrick J. Thornton practices primarily in the area of construction law. He represents all types of entities in the construction industry, including owners, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, design professionals, and others. Patrick represents clients both large and small—private companies, municipalities, homeowners associations, small businesses, and individuals. His practice includes both transactional and dispute resolution matters. At the beginning stages of the construction process, Patrick assists in the drafting, negotiation, and review of construction contracts. During construction, Patrick provides ongoing advice as to parties’ rights and responsibilities. When disputes arise, Patrick prosecutes and defends claims, including claims brought through litigation and arbitration. This includes claims arising directly from the construction process—related to payment or defective workmanship or design—and broader disputes affecting clients within the construction industry.  

Also a member of the Firm’s commercial litigation and toxic tort groups, Patrick has litigated cases in the federal and state courts of Missouri and Illinois, as well as the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Patrick was selected for inclusion in Missouri & Kansas Rising Stars® in 2015-2023.

Practice Areas

Education

  • Washington University in St. Louis School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2010)
    • Washington University Journal of Law & Policy, board member
    • Honor Scholar Award
    • Academic Excellence Award
  • University of Notre Dame (B.A., cum laude, 2006)
    • Political Science

Legal Background

  • Judicial intern, Hon. Rodney W. Sippel, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri (Spring 2010)
  • Summer associate, Lewis Rice LLC (2009)
  • Summer intern, U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Missouri (2008)
  • Intern, St. Louis County Public Defender's Office (Winter 2006-2007)

Professional Affiliations

  • American Bar Association, Forum on Construction Law
  • Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis

Admissions

  • Missouri Bar
  • Illinois Bar
  • U.S. District Courts, Western and Eastern District of Missouri, Southern District of Illinois

Charitable & Civic Activities

  • Board member, Trailnet (2020-present)
  • Alumni Board member, Saint Louis Priory School (2012-present)
  • Secretary, Notre Dame Club of St. Louis (2012-2016)
  • Committee member, Young Friends of the St. Louis Arc (2012-2018)
  • Volunteer, Next Chapter Book Club, St. Louis Arc (2007-2009; 2011-2015)

Distinctions

  • Missouri Bar Leadership Academy, Class of 2014-2015