About Pat
Pat Carey studied political science at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and earned a B.A. in 2003. He went on to Southwestern Law School, completing his J.D. in 2007. Those years framed an early interest in public service and courtroom work.
Carey spent time in the Los Angeles County District Lawyer's Office as a Deputy District Lawyer in 2006. That experience gave him hands-on exposure to criminal prosecutions and courtroom procedure. He later moved into private practice and opened his own firm, operating as the Lawyer and Owner of the Law Office of J. Patrick Carey.
He holds certification as a Criminal Law Specialist from the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. That credential signals additional study and testing in criminal law, and it underpins much of his casework. Carey has also maintained active membership in the State Bar of California.
Professional associations have been a steady part of his career. He has belonged to the Los Angeles County Bar Association since 2008 and joined the National Trial Lawyers Association in 2015. Earlier in his career he participated in groups tied to county prosecutors, including the Association of Deputy District Lawyers and the California District Lawyers Association, both from 2008 to 2014.
Carey’s career mixes public-sector and private-practice roles. Time in the district attorney's office exposed him to charging decisions, evidence handling and trial calendars. Running his own office has required him to manage client intake, case strategy and the administrative tasks that come with small-firm practice.
In court he handles matters that draw on his criminal law specialization. He represents individuals at various stages of criminal cases and navigates pretrial motions, plea negotiations and trial proceedings. He also advises clients on the practical implications of criminal exposure and post-conviction options.
Colleagues describe Carey as someone who knows the local courts and their personnel. He uses that familiarity when preparing cases and setting realistic timelines. Outside of court, he keeps current through bar activities and professional association programs.
He continues to practice in California as the principal of the Law Office of J. Patrick Carey. His current practice centers on criminal defense and related courtroom work.
