Co-Founder of Cannon & Dunphy S.C.
Patrick Dunphy has pursued cases against law enforcement and jailers that resulted in some of the largest settlements in Wisconsin for violations of individuals’ constitutional rights. A number of those cases have resulted in changes to Wisconsin law mandating transfer of a prisoner’s medications along with the transfer of the prisoner, and legislation requiring an independent law enforcement agency review officer-involved shootings.
$35.3 Million: Verdict for a newborn who suffered brain damage. It was the largest
personal injury award in Wisconsin at that time.
$17.2 Million: Verdict in a burn injury case jointly tried with William Cannon. It was
the first eight-figure personal injury verdict in Wisconsin.
$9.8 Million: Award by a Medical Malpractice Compensation Panel. It was the largest
personal injury award in Wisconsin at that time.
$6.3 Million: Settlement involving misread Pap smears that resulted in undiagnosed
cervical cancer and ultimately caused a young woman’s death. The case
appeared in The New York Times, was featured in a 20/20 investigation,
received national media coverage, and resulted in the rescreening of
hundreds of other women’s Pap smears.
“We just wanted to say “Thanks” for all the times that we have called you and you graciously and promptly returned our calls. We very much appreciate you.” – Mike and Darlene D.
“I want to thank you and your staff for the work you did to settle my claim. It is greatly appreciated.” – Gail B.
“Dear Patrick; Both Laurie and I want to recognize the extra work you employed here to get this settled and, in the end, negotiate an increase in our claim. While this process is no doubt routine for you, it has been a constant reminder to me of how good things can go badly, but finally, with drive and direction, attain resolution. This certainly requires one to be skilled in their “craft,” and you have filled that role in an exceptional manner. Thank you for the resolution achieved.” – Bill & Laura
“Dear Mr. Dunphy, It is with heartfelt appreciation that we send this note to you. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for all you have done for our family. After going through a trauma such as mine, it was a welcome relief to have you in our corner. Your professional and dedicated manner is unsurpassed. Your compassionate heart has been a blessing. Thank you for helping us move past the hurt and for being such a class act.” – Anonymous Client
“I do want you to know that it really was a pleasure working with you and I appreciated how you kept me abreast of everything that you were doing in order to finalize the case. Thank you again.” -Esther C.
“Thank you, my interactions with you and Ms. Rossetti were nothing short of phenomenal, always. You were prompt in answering questions, available during off-hours, got me in touch with the right doctors and professionals, and I always felt like you were advocating for the “best deal” for me and my family rather than cutting deals with the insurance company for the easy out. I heard from many people that you were the best at what you do and after my experience with your firm, I have no doubt that what I heard is true. You are worth every penny you earned for us.” – James
“Mr. Dunphy, words cannot express our gratitude for all you have done for Haili!” – Anonymous Client
“I’m writing to let you know how much you have helped me through this process. It’s surely been a sad time for me but the way you helped me get through this made it better. The manner in which you get things done was the best for me. You took the time to explain in detail what was going on and if you could tell by my voice that I wasn’t understanding, you said it again with an example. You also gave me suggestions which I listened to. I know you’d say you’re doing your job, but there are different ways to do that job. You did it in a caring way.” – Kathy S.
“I can’t express enough to you and your family the appreciation for your hard work and sacrifice. As well as your concern, compassion, and professionalism.” – Shawn D.
“Unfortunately, I found myself in a position to need a lawyer due to some very bad drivers, several times. The first was after my husband was nearly killed in a car accident and needed to be air-lifted by Flight for Life. I was a new mom and overwhelmed. Pat Dunphy was my lawyer. He was, supportive, honest, knowledgeable, and a good listener. Every issue that came up during my husband’s very long recovery, he handled with ease. Knowing he was in my corner gave me a sense of relief, calmness, and strength in dealing with my husband’s serious accident. He took so much stress off my shoulders. When my husband and I had to do a deposition, we had absolutely no fears, we knew we were prepared and protected. We both highly recommend his firm, they were a godsend several times for us. I would never go anywhere else!” – Joe and Kathy Serak
“Pat, Thanks for your tenacity and work ethic! You consistently exemplified an understanding of what we deemed important on Rial’s quest for justice. Faith, family, honesty, integrity, and truth. God bless you and yours.” – Anonymous Client
Attorney Patrick O. Dunphy represented a young woman whose cervical cancer was not diagnosed because her Pap smear was misread. He discovered that the cytotechnologist reviewing the tests was handling more than four times the recommended yearly limit. The case received national media attention and led to more than 200 women having their Pap smears reviewed again, helping catch other misdiagnoses.
In 2015, Attorney Dunphy also won a case against a Wisconsin gun dealer after an illegal firearm sale led to injuries to two Milwaukee police officers. The case received national and international news coverage.
Attorney Dunphy is a past president of the Wisconsin Association for Justice and received its President’s Award for outstanding trial work. He is also a member of several respected legal organizations, including the Inner Circle of Advocates, the International Society of Barristers, and the American Board of Trial Advocates.
He has received many professional honors throughout his career. He has been named a Wisconsin Super Lawyer every year from 2005 through 2024 and was ranked among the Top 10 Super Lawyers from 2008 through 2024. He has also been recognized by Best Lawyers in America and Lawdragon.
Outside of his legal work, Attorney Dunphy has supported several community organizations. He served as board chair of Marquette University High School and has helped raise funds for the Hunger Task Force and Guest House, a Milwaukee homeless shelter and clinic.
Awards & Accolades
