The basics:
- Former Gibbons executive Patrick Dunican joins Connell Foley as partner
- Focus areas include corporate law, consulting, risk management, and higher education
- Dunican previously served 18 years as managing director and executive chairman of Gibbons
- Connell Foley has 140+ lawyers across multiple Mid-Atlantic offices
Two years after wrapping up a decades-long career at Newark-based law firm Gibbons PC (now FBT Gibbons LLP), Patrick Dunican Jr. is starting his next chapter.
In a Jan. 14 press release, Roseland-headquartered Connell Foley LLP welcomed Dunican as a partner in its corporate practice group.
As part of the new role, he will focus on law firm consulting, expert opinion, risk management and higher education governance. Dunican will also support Connell Foley’s business development and client relationship initiatives, the announcement said.
Previously, Dunican served as managing director and executive chairman of Gibbons for 18 years. During his tenure, Dunican was instrumental in building the practice into a prominent and successful firm with eight offices across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Florida and Washington, D.C.
He’s also credited for guiding Gibbons’ first strategic plan, identifying key service differentiators, nurturing litigation practices and developing other key areas.
Additionally, Dunican made corporate citizenship a priority, as well as expanding Gibbons’ community presence and sharpening the firm’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.
As a result, Dunican has earned scores of accolades over the years for his contributions to the legal, business and broader communities —including from NJBIZ.
A ‘lawyer’s lawyer’
In early 2022, Dunican turned the reins over to Peter Torcicollo and remained active as the firm’s executive chairperson.
In January 2024, he announced his departure from the firm he called home for 32 years. He described the move as a “bittersweet” decision.
According to his LinkedIn, profile Dunican has since run his own consulting firm focused on areas ranging from higher education to risk management to marketing to crisis communications.
Connell Foley Managing Partner Timothy Corriston shared, “Pat’s addition to our partnership represents a significant milestone for him and Connell Foley.”
“His reputation as a ‘lawyer’s lawyer’ and his extensive network across legal, business, government and academic sectors will be invaluable as we continue to expand our capabilities and provide comprehensive business and legal solutions to our client’s complex challenges,” he added.
Dunican said he’s excited to join Connell Foley at a “pivotal time in the firm’s growth.”
“Connell Foley’s dedication to client service and its collaborative culture are closely aligned with my professional values, establishing an effective partnership for both existing and prospective clients. I look forward to contributing to the firm’s continued success,” he said.
Founded in 1938, Connell Foley is a full-service law firm. The company boasts more than 140 lawyers across multiple offices throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Its strengths include litigation, corporate, real estate and land use, and sophisticated tax & estate planning. In addition to its Roseland headquarters, Connell Foley has offices in Jersey City, Newark, New York City and Philadelphia.
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