Patrick Gorman
Partner
ArizonaPatrick Gorman concentrates his practice in the areas of bad faith and extra-contractual liability, insurance coverage, professional liability and other general civil litigation matters. In his practice, he represents large insurers in bad faith and breach of contract claims, often with allegations of punitive damages, through all phases of litigation in state and federal court. Patrick also represents attorneys, insurance brokers, and accountants in professional malpractice claims.
Over the last two years, Patrick has developed an expertise in representing schools, religious organizations, and non-governmental organizations in cases arising out of Arizona House Bill 2466 (2019), which modified the statute of limitations for claims of sexual abuse against minors. He has litigated these cases in both state and federal court, developing key arguments on the interpretation of the law.
Prior to joining the firm, Patrick served as a law clerk for a United States Senator on the Judiciary Committee, legal extern for the Honorable Paul G. Rosenblatt at the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, and law clerk for the Goodhue County Attorney’s Office in Red Wing, Minnesota.
- Obtained summary judgment for numerous insurance carriers in bad faith claims arising out of denials of claims. These include claims under both personal and commercial policies.
- Lakridis V. Holly Udy-Meekin, et al. – Arizona Court of Appeals affirms trial court’s dismissal for JSH clients in personal injury case.
- Empire Talent & Modeling v. Auto-Owners Insurance Company – Obtained summary judgment on bad faith claim and punitive damages, and received a unanimous jury verdict in favor of client on breach of contract “reasonable expectations” claim for insurer arising out of the denial of the alleged loss of talent portfolios stored on multimedia.
- Obtained summary judgment on behalf of commercial insurer on punitive damage and breach of contract claims arising out of a large water loss at a dental office.
Professional Associations & Memberships
- International Association of Defense Counsel, Member, 2022-Present
- Defense Research Institute, Young Lawyers Steering Committee
- Annual Seminar Committee, Vice Chair, 2017-2017
- Marketing Committee, Chair and Vice-Chair, 2015-2017
- Social Media Committee, Chair and Vice-Chair, 2013-2015
- Legislative Liaison, 2012-2013
- Arizona Association of Defense Counsel, Member
Civic & Community Associations
- Papago Men’s Golf Club Association, Board Member and Tournament Committee Chair, 2014-2016
Professional Recognition & Awards
- Phoenix Magazine Top Lawyers, Insurance Coverage/Bad Faith, 2024
- Best Lawyers in America®, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Insurance, 2023-2025
- Southwest Super Lawyers: Rising Stars, 2022-2024
Presentations & Publications
- “Viewpoint: Ariz. Ruling Sets Standard for Aiding and Abetting Bad Faith Claims,” Claims Journal, September 2022
- “Arizona Appellate Court to Consider Standard for Aiding and Abetting Bad Faith Claims,” Author, JSH Legal Update, April 2022
- “Arizona Supreme Court Takes Up Case Involving Depreciation of Labor and Materials Under Insurance Policies,” Author, JSH Legal Update, March 2022
- ”Lessons Learned from Young Coverage Attorneys,” Panelist, Insurance Law Symposium, May 2021
- “Arizona’s Revised Statute for Sexual Assault Claims,” Author, JSH Legal Update, December 2020
- “Maricopa County Superior Court Announces Certified Arbitrator Program in Response to COVID-19,” Author, JSH Legal Update, July 2020
- “The ‘Advice of Counsel Defense’ in Coverage Cases: You Might Be Waiving More Than You Realize,” Author, JSH Legal Update, June 2020
- “Siri, Please Connect Me to the Courtroom – The Future of Civil Trials in Maricopa County Superior Court,” Author, JSH Legal Update, April 2020
- “COVID-19: The First and Third Party Claims are on the Way,” Author, JSH Legal Update, April 2020
- “Employee Dishonesty: Navigating the Unknown,” Co-Presenter, PLRB Claims Conference & Insurance Service Expo, April 2018
- “Finance: Making Sense of the Numbers,” Co-Presenter, DRI Young Lawyers Seminar 2017
- “Contingent Business Interruption Losses: Top Priorities,” Co-Presenter, PLRB Claims Conference, March 2017
- “Ethical Issues For Insurance Adjusters,” Co-Presenter, Rimkus’ 6th Annual Arizona CE Seminar, September 2016
- “Nevada Adopts Cumis Counsel Requirement – Who’s Next?,” Author, JSH Reporter, Summer 2016
- “Social Media Research After Voir Dire – The Jodi Arias Case,” Author, Defense Research Institute’s The Whisper, June 2015
- “Social Media Subcommittee: Employer’s Access to Social Media and Personal Information,” Author, Defense Research Institute’s The Whisper, December 2014
- “Social Media: Using Social Media During Voir Dire,” Author, Defense Research Institute’s The Whisper, February 2014
- “Reservation of Rights,” Co-Author, Arizona DRI Compendium, 2013
- “The Leaves are Full of Colors: Don’t Get Black and Blue Over Bad Faith Setups,” Co-Author, DRI Insurance Practice Symposium, 2010
Education
Arizona State University, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2011
William H. Pedrick Scholar
Order of Barristers
Editor, Jurimetrics The ABA Journal of Law, Science, and Technology
Executive Moot Court Board
Champion, AADC Oplinger Closing Argument Competition
Arizona State University, B.A., Geography , summa cum laude, 2008, B.A., Political Science, summa cum laude, 2008
Phi Beta Kappa
Ray Henkel Scholarship Award
Admissions
Arizona, 2011
United States District Court of Arizona, 2011