Education

University of Chicago, J.D., 2011
University of Notre Dame, B.A., 2008

Clerkships

Hon. Stephen J. Markman, Michigan Supreme Court

Memberships

Federalist Society

Patrick Jaicomo is a senior attorney with the Institute for Justice and one of the leaders of IJ’s Project on Immunity and Accountability. Through the project, Patrick works to promote judicial engagement and ensure that government officials are held to account when they violate individuals’ constitutional rights.

In November 2020, Patrick argued the police brutality case Brownback v. King before the U.S. Supreme Court. In March 2024, Patrick returned to the high court for the First Amendment retaliation case Gonzalez v. Trevino, which his colleague Anya Bidwell argued. Patrick has litigated accountability issues—including qualified immunity, judicial immunity, and the restriction of constitutional claims against federal workers—across the country and at every level of the court system.

Before joining IJ, Patrick was a litigator at a private firm, where he cultivated a civil rights practice and handled all manner of cases in state and federal court. He earned his law degree from the University of Chicago and a degree in economics and political science from the University of Notre Dame.

Patrick was born and raised in rural, Steuben County, Indiana, where he met his wife and IJ colleague, Kenzie. The Jaicomos live in Arlington, Virginia, with their lovely daughter, Cora.

Patrick’s work has been featured in numerous publications, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and USA Today. He has also appeared on numerous podcasts and television programs, authored academic articles, and frequently gives presentations on his areas of expertise.

Patrick's Cases

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Patrick's Research & Reports

Patrick's Amicus Briefs

Tanvir v. Tanzin

Tanvir v. Tanzin

2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals

Craig v. Martin

Craig v. Martin

U.S. Court of the Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

J.W. v. Paley

J.W. v. Paley

5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals

Cope v. Cogdill

Cope v. Cogdill

5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals

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Patrick's Legislation

Protecting Everyone’s Constitutional Rights Ordinance 

Immunity and Accountability

Protecting Everyone’s Constitutional Rights Ordinance 

Qualified immunity is a judge-made doctrine that shields local, state and federal government officials–not just police–from accountability.  In 1982, the U.S. Supreme Court created the doctrine to ensure, in its words, it would be difficult…

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Patrick's News, Articles & Publications

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