Patrick Cleary defends major automotive and device manufacturers in product liability cases in both state and federal court in South Carolina, North Carolina and across the country. Along with motor vehicle manufacturers, he has defended tier one component suppliers, ATV manufacturers, and others against claims of unintended acceleration, airbag defects, failure to perform, crashworthiness and asbestos/toxic tort induced injuries. He has been a key member of teams defending clients in major, bet-the-company litigation.
With a degree in chemical engineering, Patrick enjoys delving into emerging technologies. His most recent focus has been on the developing technologies and regulations surrounding autonomous vehicles and driver assistance technologies. He translates this knowledge into persuasive and understandable information, which he uses to advise, counsel, and defend his clients.
Patrick’s experience includes representing clients in first-of-its-kind trials involving advanced vehicle technologies, developing creative solutions for mass tort resolution, and defending clients in consumer protection actions.
He has been an active member of several South Carolina bar committees, including the judicial qualifications committee. He volunteers with the South Carolina bar’s volunteer income tax assistance program, providing pro bono tax assistance to the community. He serves on the foundation board for the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics. He has also served as the chair of the Leadership Columbia Advisory Board and president of Historic Columbia’s Palladium Young Professionals Group.