B at the London School of Economics and Political Science and qualified for the bar from the Middle Temple in 1932.

He also served as a Minister for Law and Company Affairs from 25 January 1966 till his resignation in 1967.

He established the Mylapore Recreation Club and along with P. Subbarayan, founded the Madras Cricket Association.

On 26 January 1925, Pattabhiraman married Saraswathi, the daughter of Captain Dr. P. Krishnaswami, Principal of Stanley College, and Kanthammal Calamur, niece of both Pennathur Subramania Iyer, founder of P. S. High School, and Calamur Mahadevan.

Pattabhiraman and Saraswathi had four daughters - Shakunthala (1927-2000), mother of Nanditha Krishna; Seetha (1933-1958); Lakshmi and Padmini.