About Me

Patrick Bryce Kennedy is an attorney based in Edinburg, Texas. His primary area of legal practice is criminal defense, representing citizens and non-citizens who have been investigated, arrested, or prosecuted by the government.

Patrick is committed to protecting his clients’ constitutional and legal rights. His responsibilities include advising clients regarding personal and legal matters and advocating for them in Texas state district and county courts.

Education

• May 2014, Juris Doctor, cum laude, Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law
• May 2009, Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, in History, University of Texas Pan American

Honors and Awards

• April 2014 - National Order of Barristers
  • Inducted into the National Order of Barristers, a national honor society that recognizes excellence in courtroom advocacy.
• April 2014 - Prof. Fred C. Moss Best Advocate Award
  • Award presented by the SMU Board of Advocates to the most outstanding graduating law student in the field of trial advocacy.

Legal Experience

• November 2014 – Present , Attorney at Law, Kennedy Law Firm, PLLC – Edinburg, Texas
  • Main focus of legal practice is criminal defense. This requires a backbone for fighting for the rights of citizens and non-citizens who have been seized and prosecuted by the government. Responsibilities include counseling clients about personal and legal issues, as well as advocating for their rights in state district and county courts.
• August 2013 – December 2013 , Student Attorney, Southern Methodist University W.W. Caruth, Jr. Child Advocacy Clinic – Dallas, Texas
  • Represented children who had been removed from their homes by Child Protective Services.Responsibilities included investigation of criminal episodes which led to removal of children, case preparation, and, under the supervision of a licensed attorney, argument before the 304th District Court for the best interests of child clients.

Other Experience

• 2019, 2020, 2023, 2024 and 2025 , Presenter, Hidalgo County Bar Association Bill of Rights CLE – McAllen, Texas
  • Taught CLE courses in the effective use of pretrial negotiation tactics, investigations, and motion practice.
• July 2009 – June 2011 , Teacher , Weslaco Independent School District – Weslaco, Texas
  • Taught seventh and eighth grade advanced history. Responsibilities included designing and implementing an engaging curriculum which exceeded state and district standards. Teaching methods employed in the classroom included use of the Socratic method, use of interactive technological tools, and dynamic storytelling.

Elected Experience

• November 2016 – November 2020, Trustee, Weslaco Independent School District
  • Worked with fellow trustees and district employees to create and pass policies designed to foster educational growth for students attending Weslaco I.S.D. Work also included the creation of personnel policies as well as overseeing the work of the district’s superintendent.
• May 2008 – May 2010 , City Commissioner, Dist. 6, City of Weslaco – Weslaco, Texas
  • Elected by the citizens of Weslaco to serve on the city commission. Responsibilities included balancing a forty-two million dollar budget, passing municipal ordinances, overseeing policies of the Weslaco municipal court, and responding to and acting upon concerns of the Weslaco citizenry.

Professional Associations and Memberships

• January 2015 – Present , Member, Criminal Law Section , Hidalgo County Bar Association
• November 2014 – Present , Member , Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• November 2014 – Present , Member, Criminal Law Section, Probate Law Section, Texas Bar Association