Patrick E. Hackett made outstanding contributions to Michigan railroads throughout his distinguished legal career of 49 years. His commitment to promoting excellence in railroad transportation in Michigan was evident in his work as a railroad legal advisor, trial lawyer, industry leader and counselor, and public educator. 

His trial and appellate work, where he handled and tried precedent-setting cases in railroad law, covered a broad range of issues critical to railroads, including: railroad crossing accidents and regulation, employee injury and death cases, labor relations, and interstate commerce.

He also authored the Michigan Railroad Code of 1993, which modernized outdated and archaic railroad statutes.