Legal Work Highlights

As lead appellate counsel, argued on behalf of healthcare provider in Family Rehabilitation v. Azar (5^th Cir. 2018), resulting in groundbreaking ruling for provider in its dispute with the federal government over recoupment of Medicare payments.

Represented network of air ambulance providers in coordinated litigation across multiple jurisdictions involving complex issues of federal preemption and insurance regulation.

Represented hospital and parent corporation in appeal by former employees, who had sought to overturn the summary judgment dismissing their employment-discrimination and retaliation suit. The Fifth Circuit affirmed.

In the El Paso Court of Appeals, successfully argued for affirmance of summary judgments for oil and gas operator in two related suits over sales of mineral interests.

Advised consumer goods corporation in connection with sale of over 40 brands in a transaction worth $12.5 billion.

Successfully represented software company in Fifth Circuit appeal arising from complex intellectual property dispute. The Fifth Circuit affirmed summary judgment for the company in trade secrets case based on a contractual forum selection clause.

Successfully argued in the Texas Supreme Court on behalf of a commercial tenant in its dispute with landlord over condition of leased property.

Represented indigent litigants in successful petition to the Texas Supreme Court in high-profile access-to-justice case.

Successfully argued in the Fort Worth Court of Appeals for affirmance of $1.5 million judgment in favor of client, as well as cross-appeal for additional attorneys fees of more than $200,000, in long-running dispute over the sale of an apartment complex.

Law School

Harvard University, J.D. 1999
cum laude
Notes Editor, Harvard Law Review

Undergraduate School

Yale University, 1994, B.A. in English
magna cum laude

Thomas served as a clerk for the court(s) and judge(s) below:

Law Clerk to the Honorable Will Garwood, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit (1999-2000)

Thomas is licensed to practice in the following state(s):

Texas

Thomas is admitted to practice before the following court(s):

U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern, and Eastern Districts of Texas

U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Second, Third, Fifth, and Ninth Circuits

Local & National Recognition

The Best Lawyers in America®, Appellate Practice, 2023

Impact Award, Poverty Law Section, State Bar of Texas (2017)

D Magazine “Best Lawyers in Dallas” (2017, 2015)

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

Council Member, Appellate Section of the State Bar of Texas (2014-2017)

Dallas Bar Association

Civic & Charitable Organizations

Dallas Zoo, Board of Directors (Executive Committee)

Yale Club of Dallas, Board of Directors

Thomas serves or has served in the following leadership role(s) at Frost Brown Todd:

Pro Bono Committee, Member

Thomas is an author or contributor to the following publications:

Moving Forward: How the Supreme Court’s Fall 2021 Term Will Impact Your Business – Frost Brown Todd | Full-Service Law Firm