Have you ever noticed how some lawyers seem to be everywhere? Billboards. TV ads. “We win big money.” They’re loud. Flashy. And often forgettable. Patrick Fitzgerald isn’t that kind of lawyer. He doesn’t need neon lights to prove his point. He’s built a reputation the hard way — in the courtroom, case by case, verdict by verdict. And here’s the kicker: Patrick Fitzgerald lawyer at Kline & Specter, Philadelphia has already stacked up results that many lawyers twice his age would dream about. So, what’s the story behind this guy? Let’s dig in.
From Pittsburgh Kid to Davidson Football Captain
It’s always fun to know where people come from. Fitzgerald grew up in Pittsburgh, a city known for grit. That probably explains a lot about him. At Davidson College, he wasn’t just hitting the books. He was also captain of the football team. Four years starting at cornerback? That takes guts and consistency. He wasn’t just another player — he earned all-conference honors, became a I-AA Mid-Major All-American, and even caught ESPN’s eye as a regional Academic All-American. That mix of brains and brawn. You can see echoes of it in his trial work today. Quick on his feet. Strategic. Always ready for the long game.
Penn Law: The Shift from Sports to Law
Now picture this: a former football captain sitting in law school classes at the University of Pennsylvania. And not just sitting quietly — Patrick Fitzgerald graduated cum laude. That says plenty.
He didn’t waste his time either. He edited the Journal of Business Law, worked at the ACLU of Pennsylvania, and represented low-income clients fighting for unemployment benefits. Not exactly glamorous but definitely grounding.
And here’s something else: he clerked at the Department of Veterans Affairs. So even before big verdicts and headlines, he was dealing with government bureaucracy, real people, and real stakes.
The Corporate Chapter He Left Behind
Like many ambitious young lawyers, Fitzgerald started at a big-name firm. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. Sounds fancy, right? It was. He represented corporate clients in white collar cases, employment disputes, and heavy civil matters. But here’s where it gets interesting. He could’ve stayed in that cushy world. Good paycheck, high-profile clients, sleek office. Instead, he pivoted. He realized something: defending corporations wasn’t feeding his fire. And let’s be honest. If you’re going to work 80-hour weeks, wouldn’t you rather fight for people than for companies protecting their bottom line? That’s the leap Fitzgerald made. And it’s the leap that defines him today.
Enter Kline & Specter: Where Heavy Hitters Play
If you know anything about Philadelphia law, you know Kline & Specter isn’t just another firm. It’s the plaintiffs’ firm. Tom Kline and Shanin Specter are legends — household names in legal circles. Joining them? Not easy. Thriving there? Even harder. But Patrick Fitzgerald lawyer did both. He walked in with corporate defense experience and walked out with million-dollar verdicts. And I mean that literally.
The Cases That Made Headlines
Amtrak 188 Derailment – The $265 Million Game-Changer
You remember the Amtrak derailment in 2015? Eight people died, over 200 were injured, and Philadelphia was shaken. Fitzgerald, working with Tom Kline, helped bring justice to survivors and families. The result: a $265 million settlement program. Biggest railway accident settlement in U.S. history. Period. Think about that number for a second. It’s not just about the money. It’s about accountability. Trains should be safe. Families deserved answers. Fitzgerald helped deliver both.
Kraft Foods Factory Shooting – $46.5 Million Verdict
Same year, different tragedy. A disgruntled worker opened fire at a Kraft Foods plant. Two women were killed. Fitzgerald teamed up with Shanin Specter on the case. The juries (yes, two trials) handed down a total of $46.5 million in damages. $8 million compensatory, $38.5 million punitive. That case wasn’t just about money either. It screamed loud and clear: companies must protect their workers.
AT&T Cell Tower Accident – $30 Million Settlement
Fast forward to 2018. A worker falls nearly 50 feet from a cell tower in Allentown. Life changed forever in a split second. Fitzgerald and his team secured a $30 million settlement against AT&T and others. Again, the number matters. But what matters more? The message: corporations must keep workers safe.
Hoboken NJ Transit Crash – $8.15 Million Settlement
2016 brought another disaster. A NJ Transit train crashed into Hoboken Terminal. Over 100 passengers hurt. One woman killed by debris. Patrick Fitzgerald lawyer represented victims. By 2021, settlements totaled $8.15 million. Justice didn’t come overnight, but it came.
Industrial Accidents – Gritty Cases, Gritty Results
Not every case grabs national headlines, but some are brutal in their own way.
- Duquesne, 2019: Steel pipe rolls off a trailer, crushes a truck driver’s legs. Both amputated. Settlement: $10.6 million.
- Reading, 2019: Worker cleaning a conveyor loses his leg when it suddenly activates. Jury verdict: $9.2 million.
These cases might not get CNN coverage, but they’re life-altering for the people involved. Fitzgerald treats them with the same intensity as headline disasters.
Medical Malpractice and Car Accidents
Fitzgerald doesn’t stop at industrial disasters. He also fights medical negligence and car accident cases. In 2024, he won $7.1 million after a radiologist’s mistake left a young woman blind. Same year, he secured $8.1 million in a motor vehicle accident claim. No matter the setting, his focus is the same: hold the negligent accountable.
Recognition: Not Just Another Name on A List
Awards don’t make a lawyer great, but they sure tell you how others see him.
- Super Lawyers Rising Star: Nine years straight, from 2017 to 2025. That’s not luck.
- Billy Penn “Who’s Next” (2017): Picked as one of the most dynamic people under 40 shaping Philadelphia.
- Media Coverage: Washington Post, Law360, Legal Intelligencer, New York Post, Daily Mail, KDKA — his cases show up everywhere.
So, if you’re wondering whether he’s recognized beyond his firm — the answer is yes. Loud and clear.
Thought Leadership: Beyond the Courtroom
Here’s something I respect. Fitzgerald doesn’t just litigate — he educates. He co-authored Debunking Junk Science in Train Crash Cases for Trial magazine. He’s written for Legal Intelligencer. And he’s offered commentary on everything from crane collapses to abuse scandals. That tells me he’s not just chasing verdicts. He’s shaping how the field thinks about safety and accountability.
What’s He Like As A Lawyer?
Okay, let’s be real. Results matter. But style matters too.
From what clients and colleagues say, Fitzgerald is:
- Obsessively prepared. Nothing escapes his review.
- Empathetic. He listens, really listens, to clients.
- Balanced. He’ll negotiate hard but never backs away from trial.
You ever meet someone who’s both approachable and intimidating? That’s the vibe here. Friendly with clients, fierce in court.
Memberships and Broader Impact
He’s admitted in Pennsylvania, New York, and D.C. He’s part of the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association. But here’s the bigger deal: his cases push industries to change. Railways, factories, telecom — they’ve all had to rethink safety because lawyers like him forced them to. That’s impact beyond a single client. That’s systemic change.
Legacy: Still Writing the Story
Patrick Fitzgerald lawyer isn’t done. Far from it. He’s still in his 40s and already has a wall of results. Think about what that means. If this is what he’s accomplished so far, what will the next 20 years look like? More record verdicts? National leadership in trial law? Honestly, I wouldn’t bet against it.
FAQs About Patrick Fitzgerald Lawyer
Who is Patrick Fitzgerald lawyer?
He’s a trial lawyer at Kline & Specter, Philadelphia, specializing in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases.
What are his biggest cases?
The Amtrak 188 derailment, Kraft Foods shooting, AT&T tower accident, Hoboken crash, and multiple workplace injury cases.
How much has he recovered for clients?
Tens of millions of dollars through verdicts and settlements.
Is he recognized in the legal field?
Yes. He’s a Super Lawyers Rising Star and was featured in Billy Penn’s “Who’s Next.”
What makes him different from other lawyers?
His blend of relentless prep, empathy for clients, and courage to take on corporations.
Wrapping It Up: Why Patrick Fitzgerald Lawyer Deserves Attention
So, here’s the bottom line. Patrick Fitzgerald lawyer at Kline & Specter isn’t just collecting big checks. He’s rewriting what it means to fight for victims in catastrophic cases. He’s won against giants and held corporations accountable. And he’s proven that compassion and toughness can live in the same person. If you’re looking for someone to champion your fight against negligence, remember this name: Patrick Fitzgerald. Because he’s not done yet — not even close.
