J. CODY PATTERSON

There are some people who view change as a natural progression of time, a mere happenstance resulting from the movement of the clock. Then there are those who refuse to accommodate the status quo. Instead, they work to improve the lives of others, they advocate, preserve justice, and vigorously represent others until the goals have been achieved. The latter approach is the foundation for which J. Cody Patterson has built his over 20-year legal career.

As an attorney at Owen, Patterson & Owen, he strives to not only implement positive change but also create more of it. With his extensive experience in handling personal injury accident cases, he understands the nuances that these cases present and consistently finds innovative ways to push past the obstacles to obtain clients results. To date, he has secured millions of dollars in compensation for accident victims. Recent case results include a $1.2 million settlement for a bicyclist injured by a motorist, a multi-million dollar settlement for a car accident victim, and a $1 million settlement for a premise liability accident victim.

Unlike most attorneys, Cody’s legal career wasn’t a direct route or a conventional one for that matter. After one year of university studies, he chose to serve in the foreign country of Panama, where he remained for two years before returning to the United States to complete his undergraduate studies. At the time, democracy’s presence in Panama was in its infancy, and the country was still reeling from the effects of a military dictatorship. He was exposed to law enforcement with fully automatic guns slung across their chest, seemingly still ready for war. At all times, he was required to have papers with him showing that he was legally in the country or risk incarceration.

From that experience living abroad, he gained insight into the necessity of protecting his and other’s constitutional and unalienable rights at home. Being part of a minority group in a foreign country with a language barrier gave him a unique perspective on minority populations in the United States, one that serves him today when working with clients of varying ethnicities and economic backgrounds. Cody is fluent in Spanish.

Cody received his J.D. from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law and has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with an emphasis on finance from Brigham Young University – Marriot School of Business. He is licensed to practice in both Utah and California.

A strong influence in the Los Angeles legal community, he has held various leadership positions including being on the Santa Clarita Valley Bar Association Board of Directors and the Porter Ranch Gas Leak Litigation Steering Committee. Establishing himself as a thought leader, he has written for the San Fernando Valley Bar Association. His article, “Twice the Victim: Read the Small Print,” helps consumers avoid financial mishaps incurred as a result of an accident, by reviewing their insurance policy and verifying coverage beforehand.

While Cody has lived in various places, from Salt Lake City, Utah to Panama City, Panama, Southern California will always be home. Knowing this fact, he makes every effort to give back to the community that raised him, having held positions as a Youth Sports Coach, Youth Teacher, Youth Leader, Boy Scouts of America Leader, and missionary.

Outside of work, Cody loves spending time with his family. He also enjoys basketball, tennis, and traveling.