For Patrick LaBella, becoming a lawyer was never just a career choice, it was a calling. He knew from an early age that he wanted to fight for people, not corporations, and his path through law school and early practice has been defined by that commitment. “It’s too hard to become a lawyer to be on the wrong side of the fight,” Patrick says.
Patrick brings to his work a blend of sharp legal analysis and genuine passion for advocacy. He has gained experience on both sides of the courtroom, researching constitutional issues as a legal intern at the Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, assisting with complex dispute as a summer associate at a large law firm in Washington, D.C., and helping to investigate mergers as an honors paralegal at the Federal Trade Commission. At each step, he honed his skills as a writer, researcher, and advocate, preparing him to stand with individuals and families seeking justice.
Commitment to Advocacy
While at William & Mary Law School, Patrick distinguished himself through academic achievement and hands-on advocacy. As a member of the National Trial Team, Patrick competed in trial competitions across the country, winning the Academy of Trial Lawyers of Allegheny County Competition and earning best Overall Advocate at a National Civil Rights Advocacy competition. As a student, Patrick was an editor of the William & Mary Law Review, where his student note was published in Volume 66.
Patrick’s early experiences taught him about both the inner workings of government enforcement and how to channel effective advocacy strategies to represent clients whose voices might otherwise go unheard.
Beyond the Courtroom
Patrick’s roots run deep in the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, where he first developed his love of swimming, trivia, and baseball. A former high school swimmer and president of his college’s club swim team, he still thrives in competitive environments, whether in the pool, on the golf course, or at weekly trivia nights. Before law school, Patrick combined his love of sports and history as a programming intern at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, where he led tours, ran trivia shows, and published an article highlighting artifacts in the museum’s collection.
Patrick remains a proud Villanova basketball fan, Washington Nationals supporter, and lifelong follower of the New York Jets. He carries with him a favorite reminder: “Remember what you learned, and remember to pass it on.”