Patrick K. Nightingale is a practicing criminal defense attorney in both state and federal court in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
He began his legal career as a prosecutor with the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office in 1996. In 1999 he helped to found the Domestic Violence Prosecution Unit. Since 2002 Mr. Nightingale has specialized in criminal defense with a particular focus on protecting the rights of cannabis consumers.
In October, 2009, Mr. Nightingale re-established the Pittsburgh NORML chapter after the introduction of PA’s first medical cannabis bill. Since then he has spoken extensively on the subject of cannabis reform. Mr. Nightingale has been a frequent guest on local radio and television, and is a trusted voice on reform related questions. He has also been privileged to testify on numerous occasions before Pennsylvania legislative bodies considering medicinal cannabis legislation.
In 2015 Mr. Nightingale joined the Pennsylvania Medical Cannabis Society and now serves as Executive Director. “I was very excited to join a non-profit with a mission of both advocating for patient interests and promoting industry best practices. As we move forward with implementing Act 16 I am convinced that these interests are aligned.”
In 2017 Mr. Nightingale joined with partners Andrew Gross and Alan Patterson, III, to form Cannabis Legal Solutions. “We believed the time was right to establish a new law firm dedicated to the needs of Pennsylvania’s emerging cannabis industry.” Cannabis Legal Solutions is the only law practice in Southwestern PA with its sole focus on client needs in this rapidly evolving space.
Mr. Nightingale is a trusted expert on cannabis related legal issues. He appears frequently in local television and print media and is a regular on air guest for various talk news programs. Mr. Nightingale speaks regularly at both industry and advocacy events and has taught numerous continuing legal education courses on cannabis related legal issues.
Mr. Nightingale is married to fellow activist Theresa and they have three children together – Perrin, Mac and Xavina.
Mr. Nightingale can be reached at 412.225.7959 or at:
Partner, Cannabis Legal Solutions & Executive Director, Pennsylvania Medical Cannabis Society
