After obtaining a first class degree in law at Exeter University, Patrick completed a PhD in labour law at Cambridge. He then became a fellow of Pembroke College and a University lecturer, reaching and writing in employment and public law.
Patrick was called to the Bar in 1973 but continued teaching in Cambridge until commencing practice at 11KBW in 1984. He took silk in 1990. He practised in employment and public law.
Patrick was appointed a Judge of the High Court, Queen’s Bench Division in 1999, hearing a wide range of civil and criminal cases. He was appointed President of the Employment Appeal Tribunal in 2006 and a Lord Justice of Appeal and a Privy Counsellor in 2009.
He had to retire as a full time judge in 2017 but continued to sit intermittently until 2022. Since retiring, he has been appointed as arbitrator in a range of matters covering different areas of law.
He was appointed a Judge of the Gibraltar Court of Appeal in 2018 and continues to sit in that capacity.