Meet the Class of 2027: John Patterson ’27

John Patterson ’27 grew up in the Twin Cities and is a “double Gopher” with undergrad degrees from the U in Theatre Arts and Sociology of Law, Criminology, and Justice. In addition, he’s a board member of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association where he serves as co-chair of the Student and Recent Alumni Council. That affinity continues with Minnesota Law where he’s finding a welcoming community, “I’ve been amazed at how genuine and accomplished folks are. Everyone is comfortable in who they are and are encouraging me to do the same.” His life-long interest in entertainment — he was a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves hype squad and the U’s Gold Standard Show Choir — is leading him to specialize in sports and entertainment law: “two aspects of myself that I value highly.”

We’d love to learn a little bit about you. Can you share a bit about yourself?

I grew up in pretty much every northwestern suburb of Minneapolis. My family and I moved about eight times before I graduated high school. I’m a double gopher so I attended the University of Minnesota for undergrad and double majored in Theatre Arts and Sociology of Law, Criminology, and Justice.

What did you do before you came to the University of Minnesota Law School?

Before law school, I was a Legal Support Assistant at Jones Day’s Minneapolis office and a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves hype squad, the Action Pack, where I got to throw T-shirts with 50 Cent! I am also a Board Member of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association where I serve as Co-Chair of the Student and Recent Alumni Council.

In undergrad, I was president and choreographer for the Gold Standard Show Choir, served as a BA Representative for the Theatre Arts and Dance Program, hosted a podcast called “The Peercast” for that same program, and I was named 2020 Homecoming Royalty.

We’re so glad you’re here. Can you tell us why you chose Minnesota Law?

I chose Minnesota Law because of the welcoming community and overall level of excellence. In every interaction I’ve had with Minnesota Law, I’ve been amazed at how genuine and accomplished folks are. Everyone has felt comfortable standing in who they are and encouraged me to do the same. Further, all the students and faculty have done or are in the process of doing really innovative and impactful things. For me, that energy is exactly what I want to surround myself with as I journey through my legal career.

What are you looking forward to the most about starting law school?

I’m looking forward to a lot, but honestly I’m most excited to meet everyone in my class and learn about their interests. Knowing that we are some of the most prominent future lawyers, advocates, and changemakers, simply being around everyone will be a wonderful experience.

Minnesota Law strives to embody a culture of equity, inclusiveness, and belonging in the classroom and our community. In your opinion, what are some of the most important aspects of creating a culture where all students feel like they belong?

I believe the most important aspects of creating a culture of belonging are listening and willingness to change. Not everyone will come in with the same level of knowledge or experiences as others and because of that it is important to listen to everyone. Once you’ve listened you can then proceed to change or enact change elsewhere. At its core, creating an environment of belonging should be an active process. As we and the world around us changes, so should the way in which we ensure everyone feels like they belong in our space.

Are you interested in practicing in a certain area of the law? Which one and why?

I’m currently interested in the Sports and Entertainment field. My parents have coached basketball all my life and I majored in Theatre Arts, so working with athletes and entertainers feels natural to me. I believe it would be a wonderful opportunity to combine two aspects of myself that I value highly.

Do you have a hobby or special interests? And/or what do you like to do during
your free time?

I love choreography! Both learning and teaching it. Dancing is my favorite way to destress and release any negative energy. With choreography, I especially enjoy being in the space with other folks learning and moving together.

Who inspires you and why?

I am inspired by my grandmother. She was a legal secretary while she raised four kids and is really my initial connection to the legal world. She also wrote plays and was heavily engaged in the Minneapolis theater community. When I began my job as a legal assistant Jones Day and when I received my acceptance letter from the U, she was the first one I told! I feel incredibly lucky that my interests have aligned with hers so much as she’s been one of my biggest supporters both in undergrad and now as I begin my legal career.

What’s the most recent book or podcast you’ve read or listened to?

The most recent book I’ve read is Citizen Outlaw by Charles Barber. It is a biography that follows William Juneboy Outlaw III and his reintroduction into the world post-incarceration after his original sentence was reduced from 85 to 20 years. Once a prominent gang leader now an award-winning advocate, Outlaw now spends his time leading a team of former felons as they work to negotiate truces between gangs in New Haven, Connecticut.

Finally, what or who, in your opinion, makes a good lawyer?

A good lawyer is a good listener, communicator, collaborator, advocate, and all around ride-or-die. In my opinion, most people will only engage an attorney at truly stressful life points. Whether that’s facing criminal charges, discrimination, establishing a will, negotiating contracts, or acquiring a company, lawyers are engaged to help folks through complicated and often emotional matters. It’s important for lawyers to be able to understand and hold empathy for the issues their clients are presenting and again be that ride-or-die individual their clients are looking for.