Overview
Thomas is based in Reminger’s Columbus office. His practice focuses on governmental/public entity liability, employment litigation, professional liability as well as a broad range of pre-suit investigative work and general litigation matters.
Prior to joining Reminger, Thomas served for three years in the United States Navy as a military police officer and for seven years in uniformed civilian law enforcement. Over his decade in police work, Thomas obtained several certifications and served in a variety of roles ranging from use of force training to hostage negotiations. Thomas also served for six years as a police union steward for the nation’s largest federal employment union representing fellow officers in pursuing grievances and against adverse employment actions.
These practical experiences give Thomas a unique insight into public entity liability and employment defense.
Representative Experience
Obtained summary judgment in favor of police department defending its field training program against claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, disparate treatment, and retaliation.
Obtained summary judgment in favor of municipal prosecutor and court clerk against federal privacy law claims.
Obtained defense verdict for construction company on re-trial after successfully arguing for a new trial due to magistrate’s legal error in initially finding for Plaintiff during the first trial.
Honors & Recognitions
Awarded Capital University Law School’s Dean’s Award for Excellence in Leadership and Academic Achievement, 2018
Admitted to the Order of the Barristers, 2018
Defense Logistic Agency’s Police Officer of the Year, 2014
Awarded Police Commendation Medal, 2014
Community & Professional
Ohio State Bar Association
Columbus Bar Association
American Bar Association
Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys
Governmental Liability Committee Vice-Chair
Young Lawyers Committee Chair
Results
- Feb 1, 2023, Motion For Summary JudgmentPerry County, Ohio
Motion for summary judgment granted in favor of trucking client. Plaintiff alleged that our client forced another driver off the road, resulting in significant injuries.
- Oct 14, 2021US District Court, Southern District of Indiana, Indianapolis Division
Defense of the City of Frankfort, Indiana and their police officers in a Section 1983 case, with alleged claims of unlawful stop and arrest, unlawful use of force, unlawful search, malicious prosecution, and respondeat superior liability.
- Jul 23, 2021, Motion For Summary JudgmentCourt of Common Pleas, Fayette County, Ohio
- May 20, 2021Licking County Court of Common Pleas
Defense of police department against sexual harassment claim.
- Jan 20, 20216th Circuit Court of Appeals
First of its kind defense of Prosecutor and Clerk of Courts for publicly making a Plaintiff’s personal driver’s license and date of birth information available.
- Sep 29, 2020, Summary Judgment Granted
Defense of a police excessive force case.
- Aug 26, 2020, Summary Judgment Granted5th Dist. Ct. Appeals
Summary judgment on gender discrimination and retaliation claims upheld involving a female police officer who was terminated at the end of her training phase
- Jul 23, 2020Knox County
- Mar 6, 2020, Motion for Judgment on the PleadingsUnited States District Court Northern District of Ohio (Eastern Division)
Defense of police chief and captain against Fourteenth Amendment claim that the police department failed to adequately investigate the circumstances of the death of Plaintiff’s family member.
- Nov 18, 2019Franklin
Prosecution of commercial business dispute claim
- Nov 15, 2019Franklin
Defense of nonprofit claim for invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
- Oct 23, 2019Fairfield
Defense of damages in an admitted liability auto accident.
- Aug 27, 2019, Motion For Summary JudgmentLicking
Defense of gender discrimination case.
- May 10, 2019, ReversedBedford Municipal Court
Successfully overturned Magistrate’s bench trial verdict awarding Plaintiff full damages, fees, and interest during oral arguments on objections and motion for a new trial. Immediately after, successfully argued for a directed Defense verdict based on the first trial’s transcript in lieu of a second trial.
News
News
Speaking Engagements
Insights
Publications
Reminger Reports
Practice Areas
Education
J.D., Capital University Law School, cum laude, 2018
President of the Student Bar Association
B.A., Criminal Justice, Ohio University, 2014
Admissions
- State of Ohio, 2018
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio, 2018
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit 2019
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio, 2019
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana, 2021