PATRICK BUSTER
BUSTAMANTE
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GATEVILLE LAW, LLC ASSOCIATE
201 East Veterans Pkwy - Suite14
Yorkville, Illinois 60560
LAW GRADUATE
Trust is Essential
Explore my journey.
My path to law began at age 14 when I successfully sued Johnson & Johnson for manufacturing negligence, without legal representation—a defining experience that shaped my commitment to advocacy.
Rather than displaying my first dollar earned, I still proudly display my first legal settlement check—dated July 21, 2011, for $1,262.34—as a personal symbol of resolve, preparation, belief in the power of the law, and the knowing that the sky's the limit.​

EDUCATION
Graduate and Undergraduate Degrees
Northern Illinois University
College of Law
Juris Doctor
May 2025
Focused coursework in transactional law, including:
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Constitutional Law
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Contracts & Sales
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Housing Law
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Insurance Law
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Land Use & Zoning
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Legal Research & Writing
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Property Law
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Real Estate Law
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Trusts & Estates
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
College of Liberal Arts
Bachelor of Arts: Law & Society
May 2021
Explored critical thinking in the concept of Legal Ethics in the U.S. Legal System and it effects on:
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Civil Rights
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Constitutional Law
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Criminal Law
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Elder Rights
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Juvenille Delinquency
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Legal Philosphy
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Minority Rights
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Woman's Rights
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
College of Agriculture
Bachelor of Science: Interdiscplinary Agriculture
May 2020
Undergraduate Life Sciences degree in a Life Sciences program focused in Biochemistry Research of global food insecurity due to corn mold. Scientific skills include:
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Data Analysis
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Data Integrity
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Interpersonal Commmunications
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Microsoft 365
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Scientific Analysis
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Scientific Integrity
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Scientific Writing
Legal Internships
Volunteer
Center for Disability & Elder Law
Chicago, Illinois
January 2025- May 2025
CDEL provides free legal services to low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities throughout Cook County. The organization focuses on legal matters related to financial and housing stability, estate and end-of-life planning, divorce, and adult guardianship.
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Key Responsibilities:
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Conducted client intake and assessments to identify legal needs
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Performed legal research using Westlaw and LexisNexis
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Participated in client consultations under attorney supervision
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Managed and organized case documents for active matters
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Reviewed and analyzed residential lease agreements
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Drafted legal memos, briefs, and client correspondence
Hesed House
Aurora, Illinois
August 2024 - December 2024
Hesed House is the second-largest homeless shelter in Illinois and plays a vital role in supporting individuals and families facing eviction or experiencing homelessness. As a legal intern, I assisted in providing critical legal support to help patrons regain stability.
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Key Responsibilities:
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Conducted client intake interviews to assess legal concerns
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Performed legal research using Westlaw and LexisNexis
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Managed and maintained case documentation
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Reviewed and analyzed housing and eviction-related legal matters
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Prepared materials for expungement filings
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Drafted legal memos and brief documents to support attorney casework
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Interpersonal Skills supporting Team Collaboration.
NIU Student Legal Aid
DeKalb, Illinois
January 2024 - August 2024
Under the supervision of university attorneys, we supported the Division of Student Affairs in handling a wide range of legal matters affecting the student body.
Key Areas of Focus:
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Traffic and criminal violations involving student conduct
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Consumer affairs and related legal concerns
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Discrimination cases in housing and employment
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Lease reviews and eviction support
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Budgeting guidance and protection order assistance
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Handled various miscellaneous legal matters impacting students
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Employment History
Aspiring Ashes
Start-up Scientific Advisor
May 2022 - December 2023
Oversaw the Research, Developement and subsequent Patent Research for a pioneering, vermiculture-based, soil mix additive to plant cremains and plant-life together, promoting plant safety as well as a healthy soil ecology.
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Key Responsibilites:
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Conducted USPTO Patent Searches to identify conflicts with commercially available products that share a common purpose.
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Developed strict testing protocols for product integrity.
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Played a key role in product development, ensuring market differentiation and quality standards.
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Collaborated with R&D for product enhancement, aligning with market standards.
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Data Analysis to make reccomendations to optimize results.
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Interpersonal Communications to provide insights for stakeholder decisions.
State of Indiana
Family Case Manager
June 2021 - June 2022
The fundamental reason Family Case Mangers exist in any state is to investigate allegations of neglect and abuse, ensuring thorough examinations for minors' well-being.
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Key Responsibilites:
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Conducted risk assessments, offering informed recommendations to authorities.
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Managed a diverse caseload of neglect and abuse accusations with Empathy and Professionalism.
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Negotiated emotionally charged conflicts prioritizing child safety.
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Presented testimony in juvenile and criminal court proceedings, advocating for vulnerable minors.
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Served as an Immigration Liaison for the protection of Hispanic minors in the community.
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Facilitated conflict resolution through effective communication, prioritizing minors' best interests.
Purdue University Labs
Biochemistry Research Assistant
June 2016 - September 2018
Contributed to statistically sound findings on corn mold's impact on global food security with a graduate and undergraduate Biochemistry Research team from the College of Agriculture.
Skills Gained:
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Conducted complex Statistical Analysis and Scientific Data Entry
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Ensured accuracy and reliability of research outcomes through meticulous data entry and analysis.
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Performed hypothesis testing, informing conclusions on corn mold's impact on global food security.
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Supported business members and colleagues with clear Presentation and Proposal Writing, fostering interdisciplinary engagement.
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Communicated complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, deepening understanding of research implications.
Skills Summary
Professional & Legal Skills
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Legal research using Westlaw and LexisNexis
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Legal writing: memos, briefs, and client correspondence
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Client intake, consultation, and case assessment
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Document drafting and case file management
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Lease review, eviction support, and housing law analysis
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Adult guardianship, estate planning, and end-of-life legal preparation
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Expungement filing and criminal/traffic law assistance
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Experience supporting vulnerable populations and navigating public interest law
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Workflow organization and professional ethics
Scientific & Analytical Skills
Research methodology and hypothesis testing
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Product development with controlled testing procedures
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Research methodology and hypothesis testing
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Statistical analysis and data integrity assurance
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USPTO patent search and intellectual property risk analysis
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Agricultural research: global food security and plant-pathogen studies
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Development of a vermiculture-based soil additive for cremains
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Scientific writing, stakeholder presentations, and interdisciplinary communication
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Translating complex scientific findings for non-technical audiences
Academic & Technical Skills
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Interdisciplinary training in biochemistry, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biology
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Quantitative proficiency in statistical math and research analytics
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Deep understanding of criminal justice, forensic science, and legal ethics
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Coursework in real estate law, land use, insurance, contracts, and trusts & estates
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Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
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Legal research and database navigation (Westlaw, LexisNexis)
In Closing
My academic journey, featuring a Juris Doctor, two bachelor's degrees and an associate's degree, is a testament to my thirst for knowledge and my dedication to honing my skills. My experience in government public service and my impactful roles as a Start-up Advisor, Family Case Manager, Undergraduate Biochemistry Research Assistant, and President of the Purdue University's eSports League of Legends Club, have further fortified my ability to lead, strategize, communicate, and collaborate.
I am enthusiastic about contributing my diverse skill set, unique experiences, and relentless determination to the dynamic legal team at Gateville Law, LLC in Yorkville, Illinois.