Jonathan Michael Thomas

Michael Thomas is a business-litigation attorney who focuses his practice in complex commercial and intellectual property litigation. Michael also has substantial experience handling high-risk employment litigation, including disputes under the Fair Labor Standards Act. He has experience trying cases in both state and federal courts across the country.  His litigation style has earned him a reputation for being a creative, doggedly relentless and well-prepared advocate for his clients.

Michael routinely handles large, complex, multiparty matters, including cases involving:

• Theft of trade secrets and other intellectual property;
• Covenants not to compete;
• Partnership disputes;
• Breaches of contract and fiduciary duties, along with other business torts;
• Employee theft, fraud, and embezzlement;
• Patent and copyright infringement; and
• Collective actions under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Michael has experience in all aspects of litigation in state and federal court and a significant amount of trial experience exceeding most of his peers. He has experience in all phases of trial, including pre-trial proceedings, opening statements, closing arguments, expert witness preparation, and examination, and direct and cross examination of witnesses.

While in law school, Michael worked for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, focusing on religious and other discrimination claims. He also served as a judicial intern in the 116th Judicial District Court in Dallas. Following law school, Michael joined one of the preeminent litigation boutiques in Dallas, where he handled commercial lawsuits in federal, bankruptcy and state courts. Michael also coached a highly successful mock trial team at SMU, in which he taught law students the art of trial advocacy.

Professional Affiliations

• Member, State Bar of Texas
• Member, Dallas Bar Association
  • Labor and Employment Section
  • Litigation Section

Recognition

• Recognized, Texas Rising Star by Super Lawyers®, a Thomson Reuters business, as published in Texas Super Lawyers Magazine.

Community Involvement

• Member, Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce
• Member, Dallas Regional Chamber Young Professionals (YP)
• Member, Dallas Christian Legal Society

Education

• J.D., Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law (2010), magna cum laude
  • Senior Staff Editor, SMU Law Review (2009-2010), Staff Editor (2008-2009)
  • Member, Order of the Coif
  • Member, Order of the Barristers
  • National Finalist, ABA Labor and Employment Law Mock Trial Competition (2010), National Semi-Finalist (2008), Regional Champion (2007, 2009)
  • Finalist, Georgetown National White Collar Mock Trial Competition (2008)
  • Coach, ABA Labor and Employment Mock Trial Team (2012-present)
• B.A., The University of Texas at Arlington (2006), summa cum laude
  • English

Admissions

• Texas (2010)
• Texas State Courts (2010)
• U.S. District Court for the Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas