Patrick James Neligan, Jr., ’83, 1956-2026
Patrick James Neligan Jr.
Patrick James Neligan, Jr. passed away in Dallas, Texas, on March 28, 2026, surrounded by his family. Pat was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, a consummate gentleman, and an outstanding lawyer.
Pat was born March 9, 1956, in Milledgeville, Georgia to Dorris Paetzell Neligan and Patrick James Neligan, Sr., and was the first of six children. Pat was the quintessential oldest brother, both the anchor and the standard bearer for all of his siblings. The family moved to Stonegate Farm outside of town where the red Georgia clay seeped into his soul and stayed with him throughout his life. Though he could later tell you the intricacies of the Bankruptcy Code or which vintage of pinot noir was best, he could still tell the difference between the pawprint of a coyote versus a fox and the fat content of the milk of various dairy cows. He was active in 4-H and debate team, and played baseball and football, as well as piano and trombone. While completing high school, he simultaneously carried a full load of courses at the local college. Pat went on to attend Yale University, where he was president of the Yale Political Union and graduated Magna Cum Laude, and subsequently attended the University of Chicago Law School. He began his legal career practicing litigation, but soon found his calling in the fast-paced world of commercial bankruptcy. After completing an extended stint as law clerk for the Honorable Judge Robert C. McGuire, chief judge for the US Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, Pat began a successful career in bankruptcy law with both Dallas and New York-based law firms. In 1995, Pat and a partner started a law firm, now known as Neligan LLP, which for more than thirty years has successfully handled complex bankruptcy and bankruptcy litigation matters. Pat was also a founding member of the The Honorable John C. Ford American Inn of Court, as well as a regular speaker at bankruptcy conferences over the years. Pat was known for working doggedly for his clients, but being solution-oriented; for being tough, but honest and fair; and for upholding the highest ethical standards.
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