Patrick Vernoy

State Income Tax Clinic

Patrick Vernoy, State Income Tax Clinic

Patrick Vernoy is the State Income Tax Clinic’s Outstanding Clinical Student for the year thanks to his extra diligence, great legal research skills, and ability to resolve cases where others have failed. As a first-generation law student and college graduate, Patrick understands the importance of using his J.D. to support underserved communities in resolving their legal issues. Thus, instead of viewing pro bono hours as a mere requirement, Patrick went above and beyond to build rapport and create trust with his clients while providing great services to them, earning high praise from all of them. Patrick is also great with legal research, taking the initiative, for example, on a complicated tax issue and finding relevant caselaw information where others could not. Finally, Patrick managed to successfully resolve a case with FTB where others had struggled. After reviewing all relevant materials and talking with the client, Patrick composed a comprehensive but concise email that clearly outlined why the FTB erroneously adjusted the income. Due to his zealous advocacy, FTB agreed and resolved the case in the client's favor.