Select Matters
- Dismissals of Horse Protection Act proceedings: Secured dismissals of separate federal Horse Protection Act enforcement proceedings filed by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service against two respective pairs of professional Tennessee Walking Horse trainers (2024, In re: Latham; et al., and In re: Wright; et al.)
- Trial victory in nuisance case: Along with two of his Balch colleagues, Thomas successfully defended a host of nuisance and trespass claims filed by nearly a dozen plaintiffs against the firm’s client, a neighboring mining operation. Plaintiffs alleged that noise and dust emanating from the client’s plant materially affected their property values, along with the use and enjoyment of their properties. Plaintiffs asked for over $9 million in damages from the jury, but the jury returned a complete defense verdict. (2023, Cockrell; et al. v. Lhoist N. Am. of Ala., LLC)
- Breach of contract lawsuit: Obtained verdict at trial in favor of the client in a case arising out of the lease of a commercial moving truck. (2019, Autow NationaLease of Alabama, LLC v. American Eagle Moving and Transport, LLC)
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act litigation: Secured summary judgment in favor of the client in a lawsuit alleging federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and related state law claims. (2017, Hamilton v. Midland Funding, LLC)
- Property damage litigation: Obtained verdict at trial in favor of the plaintiff-client in an action seeking the entry of a permanent injunction against the defendant regarding his unauthorized encroachments on the client’s real property. (2016, Alabama Power Company v. Mims)
- Federal Copyright Act lawsuit: Secured summary judgment, and affirmance on appeal, in favor of the clients in a copyright infringement case concerning artistic renderings of home plans. (2015, Karlson v. Red Door Homes, LLC; et al.)
- Property damage litigation: Obtained summary judgment in favor of the plaintiff-client in an action stemming from an incident that damaged the client’s underground power line. (2014, Alabama Power Company v. Pinpoint Locating, Inc.)
- Personal injury lawsuit: Secured summary judgment in favor of the client in a personal injury case arising out of an alleged incident involving a utility pole guy wire. (2014, Meloni v. Alabama Power Company)
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act litigation: Secured dismissal of the plaintiff’s lawsuit alleging that the client violated the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. (2013, Bandy v. Midland Funding, LLC)
- Breach of contract lawsuit: Obtained verdict at trial in favor of the client in a case arising out of the unsuccessful purchase of a vintage American muscle car, a 1970 Ford Mustang Mach I. (2012, Bedgood v. McCary)
- Breach of contract and agency liability lawsuit: Secured summary judgment in favor of the client in an action concerning the financing of a residential heating and cooling unit. (2012, Lanier v. Alabama Power Company)
- Property damage litigation: Obtained verdict at trial in favor of the client in an action concerning a single motor vehicle accident that caused damage to the client’s utility pole and related equipment. (2011, Alabama Power Company v. Stanfield; et al.)
News
Events & Speaking Engagements
Credentials
Education
- The University of Alabama School of Law, J.D., 2010, John A. Campbell Moot Court Board
- University of Mississippi, B.A., History, 2007, cum laude
Courts
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit, 2012
- U.S. District Court, Middle District of Alabama, 2012
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of Alabama, 2012
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Alabama, 2011
Bar Admissions
- Alabama, 2010
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association
- Alabama State Bar
- Birmingham Bar Association
- Alabama Defense Lawyers Association
Awards & Accolades
- Benchmark Litigation, Under 40 Hot List, 2018 -present
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Ones to Watch
- Mid-South Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2016 - present
- Birmingham Business Journal, Rising Star Lawyer, 2015
- Birmingham Project Corporate Leadership, class of 2015 - 2016
Community Involvement
- Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association
- Walking Horse Association of Alabama