Patrick Andrew Fleming, Chicago attorney, possesses vast experience in legal practice, having represented companies of all sizes in complicated legal matters requiring a great deal of expertise in representation. Mr. Fleming has successfully obtained significant judgments on the behalf of his clients, but his experience in litigation also extends to defense, as he has defended clients against claims and has achieved similarly favorable outcomes on a consistent basis in these matters.

Mr. Fleming has handled real estate litigation, partnership disputes, commercial litigation, arbitration and government contract disputes over the course of his many years as a practicing attorney. As a partner at Novack and Macey, LLP, Mr. Fleming brings a great deal of insight into any number of complex legal matters. He has been sought-after by clients from all over the country, and Mr. Fleming has even been called upon to provide expert testimony in a federal court case involving defamation law in the United Kingdom.

His reputation for aggressively litigating on the behalf of his clients has led Mr. Fleming to be referred to as a “bulldog” in the courtroom and in negotiations, and the results he has been able to achieve for clients are certainly reflective of this trait. Patrick Andrew Fleming, a Chicago litigator and a true professional, earned his LLB from Leeds University in 1979 and his law degree from IIT, Chicago-Kent School of Law in 1982. He is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Trial Bar of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and he has also been admitted to practice in England and Wales as a barrister.

How did you get started? What sparked this business idea?

I have always wanted to be a part of a law firm that kept its focus on litigation rather than doing a little bit of everything. It is very refreshing to work with a group of litigators who are as passionate as I am about legal analysis and the crafting of strategies that best serve the needs of each individual client.

The idea for Novack and Macey came out of the need for a firm that could cite vast experience in the courtroom with consistently successful outcomes in litigation.

How do you make money?

It varies depending on the nature of the case that we are handling. Whether we are defending a client against a claim or we are working to secure a claim for a client, our main goal is to achieve an outcome that is most beneficial for the client. By maintaining a focus on this sort of outcome, we are able to be very profitable in the process.

How long did it take to get your business into the black?

We were very fortunate to have a great deal of support early on in this venture, so it did not take very long at all to get it into the black. All of the lawyers here at Novack and Macey have outstanding reputations in legal practice, and that is the most important aspect for attracting clients who are in need of representation.

When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?

There are so many quality individuals working here, and that goes for everyone at the firm regardless of their title. We focused on bringing in the best people right from the start, and it is exceptionally easy to be confident when you are surrounded by so many intelligent and hard-working individuals.

How did you get your first customer?

As soon as word got out that we were putting together a firm focused primarily on litigation, we began fielding calls from clients in need of representation. We had not yet even started any sort of marketing campaign.

How are you marketing your business? What strategy works best?

We use a number of traditional methods to market our firm, but we have found that the positive media reports noting how our work has benefited clients have served us best in marketing. We have a strong reputation in the area, so clients are always seeking us out to ensure they get the best possible legal outcome.

Is there a trend in your industry that particularly excites you right now?

Since we founded our firm, we have seen other firms open that are simply focusing on a specific field of legal practice instead of doing everything under the sun. I feel that these focused legal firms are going to be better for clients, as a lawyer with a specialized knowledge is simply going to achieve better results for his or her client.

What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?

We are tasked with making tough decisions on a near-constant basis, but I find that I can simplify any decision by simply considering what is in the best interest of the client. That is our only concern, and that is the best way I know to simplify all of the tough decisions we face each day.

What do you think it is that makes you successful?

I put a lot of time and effort into each and every client I represent. I know that litigation is incredibly difficult for all of the parties involved, and I want to make sure that I have done everything possible to ensure a positive outcome for the client. All of the lawyers at this firm feel the same way, which makes me incredibly proud to be a part of Novack and Macey.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

We have an outstanding record of success at Novack and Macey, and whether a case is a high-profile one or not, I am always incredibly satisfied when the client is pleased with the work that has been done on their behalf. Our clients are consistently pleased with our efforts, so I feel a great sense of reward quite often.

Tell us about one of your hobbies when you’re not working.

I love spending time with my daughter, so my hobbies are whatever allows me to spend the most time with her. If she ever decides she wants to go skydiving or decides to take up knitting, I will be happy to always be right beside her.

What is the most important quality that a litigator can possess?

Well, it should be obvious that a litigator should be extremely knowledgeable in their field of practice, but aside from that, I believe that a lawyer should always work from the client’s perspective. The goal of any legal matter should always be to achieve the best possible outcome for the client, and a lawyer should never lose sight of that.

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