There is no substitute for winning experience. Patch & FitzGerald has recovered millions of dollars for our clients who have been injured. Put over 60 years of collective experience to work for you. Free consultation, contingency fees. We win when you do!
Experience
Welcome to the law firm of Patch & FitzGerald, a premiere law firm for clients throughout Northern New England. At Patch & FitzGerald, we recognize that clients come to us in times of incredible stress. We see our role as being a strong, capable and relentless advocate who is able to work through the often confusing elements of the legal system to alleviate that stress, and allow you to focus on living your best life.
Integrity
Founded in 1997, Patch & FitzGerald has become one of the most effective and respected boutique specialty firms in Northern New England. We have built our reputation on our ability to achieve great results for our clients, time and time again. Whether you are looking for an attorney to assist you in Workers’ Compensation issues, or because you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, Patch & FitzGerald is the best solution to your legal problems. There is no better advocate for you.
Proven Results
The truth is, you need attorneys who are smart, relentless, and experienced. Any attorney can advertise that they are the best, and can seed their website with false testimonials from friends and family. But if they don’t have the actual, hands-on experience and the outcomes to prove their success, then you are just a part of their learning curve. You deserve better. Take your case, and your fate, to the firm that has been helping clients in New Hampshire and Massachusetts for over two decades. You deserve the winning team.
At Patch & FitzGerald, we are passionate about the law and passionate advocates for our clients. We are committed to securing the best possible outcomes for our clients: swiftly, efficiently and cost effectively.
Our Team
At Patch & FitzGerald, you will meet with a team of seasoned, experienced professionals who will guide you through the turbulent waters of an adversarial system. All attorneys and paralegals at Patch & FitzGerald are genuinely interested in making your life better by strategically developing a winning case profile. You will be treated respectfully, as a valued client, regardless of the size of your case. And you will be informed of every step in the process, whether it is a trial, negotiation or administrative hearing. We believe you are the most important part of the team.
Attorney John B. FitzGerald, III
A founding partner of Patch & FitzGerald, Attorney John B. FitzGerald concentrates in New Hampshire workers’ compensation law and is a frequently requested speaker at continuing legal education seminars for attorneys, major regional employers, the New Hampshire Department of Labor and the Compensation Appeals Board. He is a graduate of George Washington University where he majored in Public Affairs (Economics and Statistics). While living in Washington DC, he served on the staff of the United States Senate and handled constituent requests. He received his JD from Vermont Law School in 1981. He is currently admitted to practice in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts. He is also a member of the New Hampshire Workers’ Compensation Subcommittee.
John FitzGerald
Prior to entering private practice, Attorney John B. FitzGerald was a Workers’ Compensation Hearings Officer at the New Hampshire Department of Labor for five years. He also served on the staff of the New Hampshire Emergency Management Agency for one year.
This winning combination of documented, in-depth category experience and strong client advocacy skills has resulted in Attorney FitzGerald’s recognition as a regional expert on the intricacies of Workers Compensation Law. In combination with his track record in Personal Injury cases, Attorney FitzGerald has been the proud recipient of the highest rating of the Avvo Award for legal excellence: 10.0.
MaryEllen FitzGerald
Chief Marketing Officer
MaryEllen FitzGerald brings a unique blend of marketing insight and entrepreneurial acumen to her position at Patch & FitzGerald.
She is the founder and former president of Critical Insights, Inc. a strategic market research and public opinion polling firm founded in 1993, based in Portland, Maine. Under her direction, Critical Insights developed a national presence and became one of the largest and most respected market research firms in Northern New England. The company’s public opinion research efforts have frequently and regularly been cited by local and national media outlets, including CNN, The Polling Report, the Wall Street Journal and the Associated Press. In 2016 she sold Critical Insights to Digital Research Inc.
Her experience covers a broad range of corporate, advertising, and public opinion research settings. She has conducted professional marketing and research training workshops, and is well versed in behavioral analysis, and project design and evaluation techniques.
Ms. FitzGerald has developed a national reputation for her expertise in litigation support research efforts, conducting jury studies and witness preparation projects for clients throughout the country. She has frequently been a guest commentator on public opinion polling issues to the media. In addition, Ms. FitzGerald’s expertise in the litigation support arena has lead to many speaking engagements, both regionally and nationally. These engagements have included being the guest speaker on the topic of witness preparation to the 2005 Annual ABA Convention in Chicago, and several presentations to the American College of Trial Lawyers.
Formerly a practicing school psychologist, Ms. FitzGerald has extensive experience in utilizing a variety of projective techniques to assess the underlying motivations and determinants of behavior and decision-making.
Ms. FitzGerald received a Bachelor's Degree in English and Education from Tufts University. She has been awarded Master’s Degrees in School Psychology from Tufts, and in Administrative Science (with concentration in consumer behavior) from Johns Hopkins University.
Active in many community organizations, Ms. FitzGerald is currently a Director of Norway Savings Bank, a member of the board of directors at the Cumberland Club, a Trustee Emeritus of Maine Public Broadcasting, vice president of the Diamond Cove Homeowners Association, and a Trustee of the Catholic Foundation of Maine. She is also a Corporator for Maine Medical Center, and the past president of the Maine Chapter of the International Women’s Forum.
Diana Gauthier
Firm Administrator
Diana Gauthier brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her role as Firm Administrator at Patch & FitzGerald. Having worked with Attorney FitzGerald since the firm’s inception in 1997, Diana has concentrated her legal efforts in Workers’ Compensation matters. Prior to joining Patch & FitzGerald, she worked with both attorneys Edward Patch and John FitzGerald during their tenure at Roussos, Hage and Hodes.
Diana is also the social media marketing manager for the practice, and is a frequent contributor to HuffPost and Today.com.
She received her degree in Paralegal Studies from the University of New Hampshire, and has attended and collaborated on continuing education efforts for legal professionals in Workers’ Compensation related topics for over 25 years.
Active in community affairs, Diana lives in Southern New Hampshire and volunteers for various local animal shelters.
Diana takes great pride in the culture of Patch & FitzGerald, which she characterizes as one that is focused on leveraging years of legal experience with outstanding customer service and the highest standards of legal practice.
Morgan Graveline
Legal Assistant
Morgan Graveline is a multi-talented member of the Patch & FitzGerald team, having held a number of administrative support roles with the firm since 2015. As a Legal Assistant, she is able to bring her organizational and analytical skills to case production and client interactions. Currently pursuing a joint degree at NHTI in Health Science and Liberal Arts, her expertise is focused on assisting in personal injury cases.
Morgan lives in Southern New Hampshire and enjoys an active outdoor life, frequently hiking with her dogs.
Morgan is proud to be involved in interacting with clients who are often in great distress and being part of a team that is focused on helping to restore people’s lives and livelihoods.
Stency Buker
Legal Assistant
Stency Buker is a seasoned Legal Assistant for Patch & FitzGerald, having joined the firm in 2016. Stency is a graduate of NHTI, where she received her degree in Paralegal Studies and Health Science. This combined expertise in law and allied health areas has allowed Stency to establish an outstanding record of success in assisting clients through the workers’ compensation and personal injury claims processes. She is an invaluable member of the Patch & FitzGerald team, and continues her concentration in assisting with workers’ compensation and personal injury cases, from beginning through successful resolution.
Stency is a resident of Southern New Hampshire and enjoys spending time with her family.
Stency is delighted to be part of a team whose sole focus is to attain justice for people who have been injured.
More bios to come...
Patch and FitzGerald specializes in two main areas of the law:
Each area is headed by a seasoned, successful attorney who has been crafting his skills in New Hampshire and Massachusetts for over twenty years. As a practical matter, we do not have interns or lawyers who have practiced less than five years on our staff, as we want to make sure our clients get the very best advice, the kind of advice only experience can provide.
Workers’ Compensation law is focused on assisting people who have suffered an injury or illness while working. It can involve administrative hearings and intense negotiations with insurance companies, and can result in compensation for lost wages, medical bills, vocational rehabilitation and ongoing treatment for permanent injuries or impairments. It requires a skilled, aggressive advocate who knows every aspect of the law to protect your rights and get you the settlement terms you deserve.
Patch & FitzGerald have been successfully representing clients and winning difficult Workers’ Compensation cases in New Hampshire for nearly 30 years. Put their finely honed skills to work for you.
Personal Injury cases can be very challenging for clients who are often suffering from prolonged physical and financial challenges. Our full-service law firm has the experience and strategic thinking you need to achieve successful outcomes. We are prepared to take on the most complicated and complex cases, and to bring the correct team with the appropriate skills and strategies together for you.
Our attorneys, claims administrators and paralegals have one focus in mind: getting you the best settlement possible so that you can return to the business of living your life. Call Patch & FitzGerald if you have been injured and let us fight for you and your family.
At Patch & FitzGerald, we are passionate about the law and passionate advocates for our clients. We are laser-focused on securing the best possible outcomes for our clients, swiftly, efficiently and cost-effectively.
Would you take a chance on sailing with anyone less than an experienced, detail-oriented captain?
As lifelong residents and natives of Northern New England, the team at Patch & FitzGerald appreciates the skill and attention it takes to sail in the challenging waters off the New England Coast. Patch & FitzGerald provides the experienced, skilled navigation through turbulent legal waters that you need. Managing Partner Attorney John B. FitzGerald has been strategically navigating on behalf of clients with Worker’s Compensation and Personal Injury cases since 1988.
Patch & FitzGerald: the smart, trusted choice for New Hampshire.
Highly Respected
4/5/19 Danielle S.
“Attorney FitzGerald handled a case for me. I would highly recommend him to anyone. He is a highly respected and knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer.”
Professional & Results Driven
10/27/16 Kristen G.
John has represented me in multiple personal injury claims- each time he has always been very results driven concentrating on the best possible outcome for me. He is responsive and helpful whenever I had questions and always took the time to explain the process and next steps.
John is a great attorney and I would recommend him to anyone for workers’ compensation and personal injury – if you get hurt whether at work or at home, it is important to partner with the right person to represent you.
Hands Down Recomend
5/11/19 – Brandon C.
” would hands down Recommend John Fitzgerald as a attorney that will get the job done and done right (Medical Cost/Settlement all taken care of without any issue due to john sticking up for me against the insurance company which was pursuant to make sure they could deny everything but that went out the window when i hired John) he has the biggest heart in the world will sit and listen to every detail and have sympathy, Before I met john i was hopeless after my case was done Id say my family consider him family now. 10/10!!!!!!!” Brandon C.
STELLAR ATTORNEY
5/17/17 Diane S. “Atty Fitzgerald took my workers comp case after I had prior counsel who hadn’t worked on my claim with an upcoming hearing. Atty John Fitzgerald was very diligent and hard working to get my case to the hearing which he won for me. He is very professional, kept me informed and got the job done in a professional manner. I continue to use him in my claim with confidence.”
Excellent Attorney
5/10/19 – Joseph R.
“John is an excellent Attorney. He took care of my case in a very timely manner and I would recommend him to anyone that is in need of a Workers Comp Attorney.”
STELLAR ATTORNEY
5/17/17 Diane S. “Atty Fitzgerald took my workers comp case after I had prior counsel who hadn’t worked on my claim with an upcoming hearing. Atty John Fitzgerald was very diligent and hard working to get my case to the hearing which he won for me. He is very professional, kept me informed and got the job done in a professional manner. I continue to use him in my claim with confidence.”
Hands Down Recomend
5/11/19 – Brandon C.
” would hands down Recommend John Fitzgerald as a attorney that will get the job done and done right (Medical Cost/Settlement all taken care of without any issue due to john sticking up for me against the insurance company which was pursuant to make sure they could deny everything but that went out the window when i hired John) he has the biggest heart in the world will sit and listen to every detail and have sympathy, Before I met john i was hopeless after my case was done Id say my family consider him family now. 10/10!!!!!!!” Brandon C.
Excellent Attorney
5/10/19 – Joseph R.
“John is an excellent Attorney. He took care of my case in a very timely manner and I would recommend him to anyone that is in need of a Workers Comp Attorney.”
Highly Respected
4/5/19 Danielle S.
“Attorney FitzGerald handled a case for me. I would highly recommend him to anyone. He is a highly respected and knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer.”
Professional & Results Driven
10/27/16 Kristen G.
John has represented me in multiple personal injury claims- each time he has always been very results driven concentrating on the best possible outcome for me. He is responsive and helpful whenever I had questions and always took the time to explain the process and next steps.
John is a great attorney and I would recommend him to anyone for workers’ compensation and personal injury – if you get hurt whether at work or at home, it is important to partner with the right person to represent you.