Need a Texas debt defense lawyer? We have handled thousands of Texas cases. We are here to help.We provide debt collection defense in the state of Texas. We handle cases in every Texas county.Helping our clients avoid bankruptcy is one of our primary goals. Most lawsuits can be resolved.Protecting consumers from adversarial judgments is a top priority. We work hard for our clients.We have settled thousands of Texas debt lawsuits on favorable terms for our clients.
Tom is a graduate of the Texas Tech University School of Business and the Baylor University School of Law, having graduated from law school in only 27 months. He is also a former Dallas Police Officer, having graduated as valedictorian and the number one overall recruit in his academy class. Tom was assigned to the Southeast Dallas Police Substation where he earned recognition as the Southeast Dallas Chamber of Commerce Police Officer of the Year as a rookie officer, the only rookie ever to earn the honor. He worked as a one-man patrol element in South Dallas and the Pleasant Grove area of Southeast Dallas. Both locations are known havens for violent crime and are extremely dangerous venues for law enforcement. During his tenure as a police officer, Tom made 328 custodial arrests, including the single-handed apprehension of a capital murder suspect moments after the offense, bank robbery suspects, burglary suspects, multiple narcotics traffickers, aggravated assault suspects, and numerous other aggravated felons. He was awarded the Certificate of Merit by the department and received numerous accommodations for bravery and dedication to duty.
Tom's professional background also includes several years experience as a financial consultant prior to attending law school. He worked for a Big 5 accounting firm and a Fortune 500 investment bank and credits the experience as a helpful asset when litigating finance-oriented lawsuits. Since graduating from law school, Tom has practiced trial law continuously and after several years of commercial litigation, now focuses his practice almost exclusively on consumer protection. Tom has successfully prosecuted and defended thousands of lawsuits. The results noted on this website are merely an example of a few victories. Tom's practice combines street smarts with aggressive trial tactics and is designed to obtain results.
Tom is a seventh generation Texan and his firm defends collection cases throughout the state. All Texas cases will be considered regardless of location.
Practice areas
We help people who are being sued for crushing debt avoid bankruptcy and obtain resolutions that allow them to maintain the best credit rating possible.
20 years
We deal with debt collectors every day. Our goal is to protect our clients ethically within the confines of the law.
20 years, 10,000 cases
Texas debt collector lawsuit negotiation, credit card lawsuit debt negotiation, student loan lawsuit debt negotiation, and Texas final judgment negotiation.
20 years, 10,000 cases
Texas credit card lawsuit defense, debt buyer lawsuit defense, debt lawsuit negotiation, student loan lawsuit defense, and all other Texas consumer debt lawsuit related issues.
20 years, 10,000 cases
Languages spoken
English, Spanish
Dallas Office
4144 N. Central Expwy., Suite 870
Principal Office
Dallas, TX, 75204-3140
Houston Office
5100 Westheimer Rd., Suite 200
By Appointment Only
Houston, TX, 77056
San Antonio Office
1777 NE Loop 410, Suite 600
By Appointment Only
San Antonio, TX, 78217
Austin Office
100 Congress Ave., Suite 2000
By Appointment Only
Austin, TX, 78701
Fort Worth Office
5601 Bridge St., Suite 300
By Appointment Only
Fort Worth, TX, 76112
El Paso Office
7362 Remcon Circle
By Appointment Only
El Paso, TX, 79912
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
TX | Eligible To Practice In Texas | 2002 | 05/28/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Life Member | Million Dollar Advocates Forum | 2022 |
Accredited Business A+ Rating | Better Business Bureau | 2022 |
5.0 Star Rating | Lawyers.com | 2022 |
Client Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 2022 |
Accredited Business A+ Rating | Better Business Bureau | 2021 |
Life Member | Million Dollar Advocates Forum | 2021 |
Accredited Business A+ Rating | Better Business Bureau | 2020 |
Life Member | Million Dollar Advocates Forum | 2020 |
Accredited Business A+ Rating | Better Business Bureau | 2019 |
Life Member | Million Dollar Advocates Forum | 2019 |
Accredited Business A+ Rating | Better Business Bureau | 2018 |
Life Member | Million Dollar Advocates Forum | 2018 |
Accredited Business A+ Rating | Better Business Bureau | 2017 |
Life Member | Million Dollar Advocates Forum | 2017 |
Accredited Business A+ Rating | Better Business Bureau | 2016 |
Life Member | Million Dollar Advocates Forum | 2016 |
Accredited Business A+ Rating | Better Business Bureau | 2015 |
Life Member | Million Dollar Advocates Forum | 2015 |
Life Member | Million Dollar Advocates Forum | 2014 |
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 | Martindale-Hubbell | 2013 |
Featured Attorney - Rating Badge | AVVO | 2013 |
Member | Million Dollar Advocates Forum | 2013 |
Million Dollar Advocate | Million Dollar Advocates Forum | 2013 |
Client Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 2013 |
Who's Who in American Law | Marquis Who's Who in American Law | 2013 |
Superb Rating | Avvo | 2013 |
Life Member | Million Dollar Advocates Forum | 2013 |
Clients' Choice Badge - Debt Settlement | AVVO | 2012 |
Clients' Choice Badge - Lawsuits & Disputes | AVVO | 2012 |
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 | Martindale-Hubbell | 2012 |
Client Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 2012 |
Law License | State Bar of Texas | 2002 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Owner | Law Office of Tom M. Thomas II | 2005 - Present |
Partner | Kolodey, Thomas, Blackwood & Thomas, LLP | 2003 - 2005 |
Partner | Allan, Thomas & Associates, LLP | 2002 - 2003 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
State Bar of Texas, Business Law Section | Member | 2022 - Present |
State Bar of Texas, Appellate Section | Member | 2022 - Present |
State Bar of Texas, Immigration and Nationality La | Member | 2022 - Present |
State Bar of Texas, Hispanic Issues Section | Member | 2022 - Present |
State Bar of Texas, Environmental and Natural Reou | Member | 2022 - Present |
State Bar of Texas, Justice of the Peace Courts Section | Member | 2022 - Present |
State Bar of Texas, Bankruptcy Law Section | Member | 2022 - Present |
State Bar of Texas, Alternative Dispute Resolution | Member | 2022 - Present |
State Bar of Texas, Consumer and Commercial Law Se | Member | 2022 - Present |
State Bar of Texas, Litigation Section | Member | 2022 - Present |
Better Business Bureau | Member | 2015 - Present |
United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Texas | Member | 2013 - Present |
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas | Member | 2013 - Present |
United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas | Member | 2006 - Present |
United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas | Member | 2006 - Present |
National Association of Consumer Advocates | Attorney Member | 2005 - Present |
National Association of Consumer Advocates | Member | 2005 - Present |
Texas Young Lawyers Association | Attorney Member | 2002 - Present |
State Bar of Texas | Admitted | 2002 - Present |
State Bar of Texas | Attorney Member | 2002 - Present |
Texas Young Lawyers Association | Member | 2002 - Present |
State Bar of Texas | Member | 2002 - Present |
Dallas Bar Association | Attorney Member | 2013 - 2014 |
Dallas County Bar Association | Member | 2013 - 2014 |
Dallas Bar Association Pro Bono Activities Committee | Committee Member | 2013 - 2014 |
Dallas Bar Association Minority Participation Committee | Committee Member | 2013 - 2014 |
Dallas Bar Association Legal Ethics Committee | Committee Member | 2013 - 2014 |
Dallas Bar Association | Member | 2013 - 2014 |
Texas Young Lawyers Association Member Services & Outreach Committee | Committee Member | 2013 - 2014 |
Texas Young Lawyers Association Low-Income Texans Outreach Committee | Committee Member | 2013 - 2014 |
Texas Young Lawyers Association Community Education/Consumer Information Committee | Committee Member | 2013 - 2014 |
Dallas Police Association | Past Member | 2006 - 2009 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
AVVO Legal Guides | Dealing With Judgments in Texas | 2022 |
AVVO Legal Guides | Dealing With Student Loan Lawsuits in Texas | 2022 |
Texas Debt Suit Litigation Blogspot | Student Loan Plaintiff EduCap Inc. Loses Appeal From Take-Nothing Judgment in Texas | 2019 |
Chicago Tribune | Lenders Taking More Borrowers to Court Over Student Loans | 2015 |
Abilene Reporter News | Law Meant to Police Debt Collection Tactics | 2010 |
AVVO Legal Guides | Sued in Texas for Credit Card Debt - Now What? | 2010 |
AVVO Legal Guides | Sued for Debt - Some Frequently Asked Questions | 2010 |
Attorney's Website | Texas Credit Card Lawsuit Defense | 2008 |
Attorney's Website | Debt Buyer Lawsuits | 2008 |
Attorney's Website | Texas Credit Card Lawsuits | 2008 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Baylor University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2002 |
Texas Tech University | BBA - Bachelor of Business Administration | 1998 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Chicago Tribune Interview | Lenders Taking More Borrowers to Court Over Student Loans | 2015 |
Abilene Reporter News | Law Meant to Police Debt Collection Tactics | 2010 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Educap vs. Mendoza | We won at trial and on appeal - opinion published. |
Capital One Bank (USA), NA v. My Client; Montgomery County Justice Court Prec. 3; Cause No. 14904JC | Dismissed by Plaintiff prior to trial. |
National Collegiate Student Loan Trust vs. our Client; 001-00216-2013 Court: Collin County Court at Law No. 1 | The student loan company dismissed the lawsuit in open court after the case was called to trial. Our client never had to appear in Court and did not have to pay any money to the student loan company. |
National Collegiate Student Loan Trust 2006-2 vs. My Client, Harris County Court at Law No. 1, Case No: 1021602 | We went to trial and won the case for our client. Our client never had to appear in Court and did not have to pay any money to the student loan company. |
American Title Co. v. BOMAC Mortgage Holdings, L.P., 196 S.W.3d 903, (Tex. App. -- Dallas 2006, no pet.) | We won at trial and on appeal - opinion published. |
Posted by Neil
January 28, 2011
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August 9, 2012
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July 20, 2022
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July 19, 2022
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July 18, 2022
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July 17, 2022
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July 14, 2022
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July 11, 2022
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July 11, 2022
Posted by Brandi Castillo
July 8, 2022
Anderson Simmons, Debt collection Attorney on Apr 10, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Tom is the go-to lawyer for defending consumers against debt collectors in the DFW and North Texas area. I do this kind of work as well and if I need to brainstorm, Tom is the man to call. I've also used Tom as my local counsel on a debt collection case in Denton and on a declaratory judgment case involving title to real estate. He knows his way around the courthouses and I highly recommend him.
Richard Reister, Lawsuits and disputes Attorney on Dec 31, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I consider Tom one of the leading lawyers in the country in the area of defending credit card and debt collector lawsuits. He does a great job for all his clients and I highly recommend him. I refer to him 100% of my clients that are being sued by debt collectors, debt buyers, credit cards, etc.
Yvonne Shaw, Consumer protection Attorney on Feb 17, 2022
Relationship: Other
Tom has been in the consumer defense industry for many years and has an extensive knowledge about the law. He works diligently to advocate for his clients and to get positive results. I would recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney in this industry.
Donald Hood, Lawsuits and disputes Attorney on Aug 26, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have never had the pleasure of meeting Tom, but I have had the opportunity to refer many Clients to Tom who were being sued by credit card companies. The feedback that I have received regarding Tom's services from these Clients has been 100% positive. As a result, I will continue referring Clients to Tom. Thanks Tom! Don Hood
Shaun Brown, Debt collection Attorney on Feb 7, 2019
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I have known Tom for several years, and we have interacted on numerous debt cases. Tom works hard to defend his clients and is always professional in his dealings with opposing counsel. I strongly recommend Tom.
James Foley, Lawsuits and disputes Attorney on Jun 25, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I have known Tom for a number of years both personally and professionally. He brings a lot of knowledge to the table in the realm of debt defense and he takes every case seriously. Tom is one of the good guys of the profession.
Laura Bedford, Debt collection Attorney on Apr 11, 2013
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Tom on many cases over the years and I always find him to be a zealous advocate for his clients without compromising his integrity. He is quite capable in the courtroom, but he also recognizes those situations where a settlement may be a better option for his clients. Tom is always a pleasure to work with and I hope to have many other cases with him in the future.
Zachary Fanucchi, Debt collection Attorney on Apr 10, 2013
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Beth Blackwood, Debt settlement Attorney on Oct 27, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I don't think there is a more knowledgeable lawyer in the area of unfair debt collection practices in Texas, and his skilled reputation is well known among debt collection practitioners. He's got a sharp legal mind and compassion for his clients. He'd be my recommendation for anyone with a debt problem.
Nicholas Nuspl, Litigation Attorney on Mar 5, 2012
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Tom is an outstanding lawyer who represents his clients very well.
Casey Erick, Commercial real estate Attorney on Oct 20, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Thomas is one of the preeminent attorneys in the field of consumer defense. I highly recommend his firm.
Cash, Check, Credit Card