Pat is a Partner in our Business team. He has 43 years in practice. He is Australia’s only canon lawyer who simultaneously practises as a common lawyer.

Pat has an understanding of Church which equips him to act for Roman Catholic authorities in matters involving both common law and canon law. He also advises on matters for other Christian churches, religious bodies, education authorities, ecclesial communities, religious and other independent schools and university colleges.

His unique qualifications and experience enable Pat to understand how clients in these sectors are structured (and why), and the decision making and governance mechanisms that must apply to them. His approach is as a practical problem solver who proactively recognises risk and assists clients to minimise risk in a cost-effective way. This applies to everything from day-to-day operations to the most difficult, sensitive and challenging issues relating to governance and structures, policy development, risk management and dispute resolution.

Motivated by a commitment to the Church and its Mission, Pat has participated for many years in Church governance through board chair roles in Catholic Education and Catholic Health and Aged Care. He is now an honorary member of the Finance Advisory Committee of a lay religious institute, as well as a member of the Governance Committee of a private association of the faithful. He is also actively engaged in ecumenical circles. 

Pat’s successful candidacy in the doctoral program in the Faculty of Canon Law at KU Leuven in Belgium has demonstrated his continuing commitment to active engagement as layperson in the Church. Pat successfully defended his doctoral thesis on 4 October 2024. 

His doctoral research critically assessed the efficacy of recent legislation of Pope Francis which is designed to prevent the non-application of the Church’s penal norms by diocesan bishops in cases of the sexual abuse of children by priests. It was reform orientated research and it recommended some supplementary measures with a view to enhancing the efficacy of legislation. 

• Canon Law Society of Australia and New Zealand – Member
• Canon Law Society of America – Member
• Canon Law Society of Great Britain and Ireland – Member