Patrick Coleman Solicitor

Patrick Coleman

Associate Solicitor

Dublin

Bio & Credentials

About

Patrick Coleman is an Associate Solicitor specialising in sensitive cases involving sexual assault. He works closely with individuals affected by historical sexual abuse within institutional settings, as well as those who have experienced more recent sexual assaults.

Experience

Patrick Coleman has experience advising clients in private matters arising from sexual assault and approaches each case with care, discretion, and a clear understanding of the profound personal impact such experiences can have.

Patrick is committed to providing a safe, confidential, and supportive environment for his clients, ensuring they feel heard, respected, and informed at every stage of the process. Patrick Coleman acts exclusively for survivors and is dedicated to providing compassionate, client-focused representation in matters that are often deeply personal and challenging.

Patrick understands that engaging with the legal system can feel overwhelming, particularly for individuals who have experienced trauma. For this reason, he offers free initial consultations, during which he takes the time to explain the process clearly, answer questions, and allow clients to make informed decisions at their own pace.

Education

Patrick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and is admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in Ireland. He has undertaken advanced legal training across a range of specialist areas, including GDPR, healthcare, and commercial contract law.

Most notably, he holds a Diploma in Advanced Dispute Resolution and Litigation, which is particularly relevant to his practice in sensitive sexual abuse cases. This qualification underpins his ability to navigate complex, adversarial proceedings with skill, care, and a strong focus on achieving favourable outcomes for his clients.

Recent Work

Former pupils of Terenure College have brought High Court civil proceedings arising from abuse by convicted former teacher John McClean, with the court criticising attempts to delay the cases and directing them towards trial in 2026.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s meeting with Pope Leo XIV has renewed focus on historical abuse redress in Ireland, highlighting ongoing concerns over religious orders failing to contribute to survivor compensation schemes and the legal options available to survivors pursuing civil claims.

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre recorded the highest number of contacts in its 47-year history in 2025, reflecting a significant increase in survivors of sexual violence seeking support in Ireland. A sexual assault civil claim in Ireland is a separate legal process that may be pursued independently of any criminal complaint or prosecution.

Irish courts have ordered the Christian Brothers to disclose member details for abuse claims in Ireland. Coleman Legal's Philip Treacy explains