Christian R. Patno Of Counsel

Christian R. Patno is a nationally recognized trial lawyer with more than 35 years of high-stakes litigation experience and a reputation across Ohio for handling catastrophic injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and complex civil cases. As Of Counsel to The Stuckey Firm, he brings elite trial skill, strategic insight, and statewide credibility to the clients and families the firm serves.

Christian R. Patno, personal injury lawyer

A Trial Attorney Known for High-Stakes Results

Chris Patno has spent his career representing individuals whose lives have been changed by serious injury, negligence, or wrongful conduct. With well over 100 jury trials and decades of courtroom leadership, he is widely known for his ability to take difficult, technical cases and present them in a clear, common-sense way that juries understand.

His work has involved catastrophic personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and defamation matters, including litigation across multiple states and even internationally in locations such as Italy and Puerto Rico. Chris is known for building cases that are trial-ready from day one, with the discipline and preparation required to stand up to powerful corporations, institutions, and defense teams.

Litigation That Creates Accountability and Change

Chris’s work is driven by more than results. Over the course of his career, his litigation has led to real-world changes in how companies, employers, and medical providers operate, helping reduce the risk of similar harm to others in the future.

He has also helped shape Ohio law through appellate victories that expanded and protected the rights of injured people. His ability to combine deep legal knowledge with practical jury strategy is one reason he is often sought out as co-counsel on complex and high-cost injury and death cases.

Respected Statewide Leadership in the Trial Community

Chris is widely recognized as one of Ohio’s most accomplished trial attorneys. He is the President of the American Board of Trial Advocates and a Past President of both the Ohio Association for Justice (OAJ) and the Cleveland Association of Trial Attorneys (CATA). He has served for years in leadership roles within trial organizations and continues to contribute through education, mentorship, and statewide advocacy.

He is also a Supreme Court Certified Mentor who regularly supports new attorneys entering the profession. His reputation for professionalism and skill has made him a frequent speaker for trial lawyer organizations on litigation strategy, trial preparation, and courtroom advocacy.

Board Certified and Recognized for Elite Trial Credentials

Since 1998, Chris has been board-certified as a Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a distinction held by very few attorneys in Ohio. He has been recertified multiple times, reflecting sustained excellence and high-level trial experience over decades. Chris has also been repeatedly ranked as the #2 Super Lawyer in the state of Ohio, as selected by his peers.

He is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and has secured at least 40 results exceeding $1 million, including 18 cases at or above $2 million. His highest result is a $39 million unanimous jury verdict in 2014, a record-setting outcome that reflects his ability to succeed in the most demanding courtroom environments.

A Deliberate, Client-Focused Approach

Unlike many attorneys with a statewide profile, Chris has intentionally chosen not to actively advertise. His practice has historically been built on referrals from clients, judges, doctors, insurance professionals, and even defense attorneys. This approach allows him to limit volume, maintain personal involvement in his cases, and provide focused attention where it matters most.

His clients often come to him during the most serious moments of their lives, when the consequences are permanent, and the opposition is aggressive. Chris is known for taking those cases personally, preparing them thoroughly, and fighting for results that reflect the full weight of the harm.

A Commitment to Safety and Advocacy Beyond the Courtroom

As a father, Chris has long been passionate about the protection of children and public safety. He has volunteered his time speaking with students, professionals, and community groups about injury prevention and safety issues. His cases have also received widespread media coverage, and he is frequently sought out as a trusted legal commentator.

Get to Know Christian R. Patno Professional Background

Bar Admissions

Ohio
United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
United States Tax Court

Honors

Repeatedly ranked #2 by his peers out of all Ohio Super Lawyers in all specialties and recognized as a Super Lawyer since its inception in 2004
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
The Best Lawyers in America
Top 100 Trial Lawyer recognition
Avvo Rated 10/10
Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America

Media

Trial War Stories Podcast | Punitive Damages Featuring Chris Patno

Education

Bachelor of Arts, Union College
Juris Doctorate, Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Professional Associations

Vice-Chair Civil Rules Subcommittee of the Ohio Supreme Court Rules Commission on the Rules of Practice
President, American Board of Trial Advocates
Past President, Ohio Association for Justice (OAJ)
Past President, Cleveland Association of Trial Attorneys (CATA)
Executive Committee Member, OAJ and CATA
Medical Negligence Chairman and Board Director, OAJ and CATA
Member, Negligence Committee, Ohio State Bar Association
Supreme Court Certified Mentor
Board Certified Trial Advocate, National Board of Trial Advocacy (since 1998)
Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Emeritus Member, William K. Thomas American Inn of Court
Member, International Society of Barristers

Why Chris Patno’s Role Matters to Stuckey Firm Clients

The Stuckey Firm is built on trial readiness, personal attention, and statewide credibility. Chris Patno strengthens that mission by bringing decades of elite courtroom experience and strategic leadership to the firm’s most complex and high-impact cases.

For clients facing catastrophic injury, wrongful death, or a case that requires significant resources and deep trial skill, his involvement adds a powerful layer of experience, leverage, and credibility.