James D. Thomas Joins Vorys as Partner

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Sep 23, 2014, 10:07 ET

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP announced today that seasoned trial lawyer, James D. Thomas, has joined the firm as a partner. Thomas brings to Vorys more than 25 years of legal experience, including as a former United States magistrate judge in the Northern District of Ohio and, most recently, as the leader of the Global Litigation Group for Squire Sanders (now Squire Patton Boggs), which included more than 250 legal professionals around the world.

"In the first instance, it was the quality of the Vorys lawyers and the firm's strong brand that attracted me to Vorys," Thomas said. "Vorys' core values, strategic focus and consensus building approach impressed me from the outset of our discussions. During those discussions, it also became clear to me that the firm's value system is aligned with mine. I am proud to be part of the Vorys team and look forward to contributing to its continued success."

Thomas' litigation experience includes complex civil litigation, bankruptcy related matters, internal investigations, ERISA and construction litigation. At Vorys, he will continue to focus on those areas along with expanding his scope of services based on his recent work and client relationships.

"Jim's trial experience and skill set is truly unique," said William G. Porter, the firm's litigation group chair. "He is passionate about advocacy and training our next generation of attorneys and brings with him an impressive litigation resume along with a network of contacts in Ohio, across the country and around the world. This breadth of experience makes Jim a great fit at Vorys."

At Squire, Thomas led and integrated a global practice group through a series of law firm combinations and acquisitions. Vorys leaders plan to draw upon that experience.

"In addition to strengthening our robust litigation group, Jim's leadership and experience will be valuable to us as we continue to execute on our strategic plans and growth efforts," said Russ Gertmenian, Vorys' managing partner.

A Michigan native, Thomas' Ohio roots took hold as a judicial law clerk in Akron, Ohio with U.S. District Judge David D. Dowd, Jr. after graduating cum laude from the University of Toledo College of Law. He entered private practice with his former firm in Columbus and his appointment to the bench came after only 5 ½ years of practice at the early age of 33. He served as a magistrate judge in Youngstown for four years before returning to private practice to try cases with his former firm in Cleveland, where he went on to lead the Cleveland office litigation group.

In connection with assuming the role of the global practice group leader, Thomas moved his practice to Miami, Florida. Joining Vorys brings him full circle back to Columbus.

"Miami has been great, but my wife and I are excited about coming home to Ohio," Thomas added. "We enjoyed Columbus the first round and it is clear that the community has continued to flourish. We are looking forward to being back in Columbus and a short drive from our friends in Northern Ohio." Thomas will practice from both the firm's Columbus and Cleveland offices.

Thomas is a frequent speaker and presenter on the topic of ethics and professionalism and a variety of professional development topics. Prior to going to law school, he received his bachelor's degree from Adrian College, where he now serves as a member of the Board of Trustees.

About Vorys: Vorys was established in 1909 and has grown to be one of the largest Ohio-based law firms with nearly 375 attorneys in seven offices in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Akron, Ohio; Washington, D.C.; Houston, Texas; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Vorys' Cleveland office opened in 1982. Vorys currently ranks as one of the 200 largest law firms in the United States according to American Lawyer magazine.