Patrick Dungan (Class of 2006)

Patrick received his undergraduate degree in Anthropology from the University of South Alabama in 2006, and earned his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2011. He is now a partner at Adams & Reese in Mobile with a diverse practice spanning government law, business litigation, economic development, and regulatory compliance. Patrick currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Downtown Mobile Alliance and the Barton Academy Foundation.

When asked how majoring in Anthropology helped him prepare for a legal career, Patrick said: “Anthropology taught me how to look at problems from multiple perspectives and to understand the cultural, historical, and social contexts that shape people’s decisions. That training directly translates to the practice of law, where success often depends on seeing the bigger picture, listening carefully, and navigating complex human dynamics. Anthropology sharpened my ability to analyze evidence, question assumptions, and communicate across different viewpoints—all skills that have been invaluable in my legal career.”