Tom came to law from business. He studied management at Arizona State, then worked as a business manager before deciding to pursue law. That background now shows in how he runs cases — structured timelines, clear communication, no surprises. During law school at Northern Illinois University, he clerked for the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Illinois and interned at the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office.
After graduating, Tom spent eight years as a DuPage County prosecutor. He advanced through traffic, misdemeanor, and felony divisions, handling thousands of criminal cases — from misdemeanor DUI to armed robbery — and trying over 100 to verdict. He learned what arguments move judges, what evidence holds up, and how cases are won and lost at trial.
Tom joined Lafata Law to put that experience to work for clients — both in criminal defense and family law. In criminal cases, he knows how prosecutors build their cases because he built them himself. In divorce and custody matters, his trial background serves a different purpose: opposing counsel knows he’s prepared to go to court if negotiations stall. That credibility changes how settlements get negotiated and how cases get resolved.
Tom is licensed to practice law in Illinois. Outside of work, he enjoys exercising, trying new foods, and building Lego sets.
