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Professor Dr. Patrick Fitzgerald

Professor

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Biography

Patrick Fitzgerald is a seasoned trial lawyer with extensive experience as an investigator, focusing on internal investigations, government enforcement matters, and civil litigation. He served as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, a role he was appointed to by President George W. Bush in 2001 and held for over a decade, making him the longest-serving U.S. Attorney in Chicago's history. During his tenure, he led high-profile investigations and prosecutions, securing convictions against several governors for corruption, including George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich. He also served as special counsel in high-stakes investigations, notably the inquiry into the Valerie Plame case and the trial of Lewis “Scooter” Libby. Before his service in Chicago, Fitzgerald was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York, where he was involved in significant prosecutions, including cases linked to the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania. He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and has received numerous awards for his public service, highlighting his impact in the legal field through various trials and initiatives focused on corporate fraud and organized crime.

Research Interests

Internal Investigations Government Enforcement Civil Litigation

Experience

Distinguished Lecturer

2013-01-01 — Present

University of Chicago Law School • Chicago, IL

Inaugural Steven Feirson Distinguished Lecturer, teaching courses in law.

U.S. Attorney

2001-01-01 — 2012-01-01

U.S. Department of Justice • Chicago, IL

Led high-profile federal investigations and prosecutions in Northern Illinois.

Assistant U.S. Attorney

1988-01-01 — 2001-01-01

U.S. Department of Justice • New York, NY

Handled major trials including those related to national security and organized crime.

Private Practice Lawyer

1987-01-01 — 1988-01-01

Private Law Firm • New York, NY

Engaged in general legal practice before joining the U.S. Department of Justice.

Awards

#

Justice John Paul Stevens Award

2011-01-01
#

Cox, Coleman, Richardson Award

2007-01-01
#

Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service

2002-01-01

Requirements for University of Chicago Law School

Master Program

Requirements

TOEFL
Total
Required:104
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7

Prerequisites

A first degree in law (JD, LLB, or equivalent) from a law school outside the United States

Application Checklist

  • Online application
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Two to four letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Resume/CV
  • LSAC LLM Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report

Specialization Notes

The LLM program is designed for lawyers trained outside the United States to gain an understanding of the American legal system.