About Patrick
Patrick Kershisnik took a nontraditional path to the law. He studied philosophy at Stanford University, graduating with a B.A. in 1981. He returned to the academic track several years later and earned his J.D. from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1989. Those formative years left him comfortable with complex reasoning and long legal questions.
After law school he moved into private practice. In 1993 he became a partner at the firm that would carry his name, Talboy and Kershisnik. That role put him squarely in the day-to-day work of managing a law office while handling client matters. Partners carry responsibilities that go beyond casework; he learned to balance client service, firm management and the demands of litigation and transactional work.
In 2000 he shifted from private practice to an in-house position, taking the role of general counsel at Petra, Inc. The move to corporate counsel altered the rhythm of his work. He advised corporate leadership, handled internal compliance questions and addressed legal issues from the company side. Serving as general counsel expanded his perspective on how legal strategies play out inside a business.
After several years in-house, he returned to private practice. In 2007 he took an associate position at Angstman, Johnson. That later-stage change is notable. It suggests a willingness to re-enter firm life under different terms, and to take on work that fit the needs of the practice at that time. The combination of founding partner, in-house counsel and later associate gives him a varied professional resume.
Colleagues describe him as a practical thinker who values clear analysis. He trained in philosophy and law, a background that shows in his methodical approach to legal problems. He has worked in both the private and corporate sectors and has experience in firm leadership and corporate legal departments. Those shifts across settings have shaped how he approaches casework and client advice.
He has practiced law through several institutional roles over more than three decades. As of 2026, his practice draws on his years as a partner and as general counsel.
