Thomas M. "Tom" Lucas

Thomas M. Lucas: Litigation Management Attorney Specializing in Employment Law in Norfolk

For over 25 years, Thomas M. "Tom" Lucas has been a leading force in defending employers’ rights within the dynamic landscape of employment and labor law. As a Shareholder and Litigation Manager at Jackson Lewis P.C.’s Norfolk, Virginia office, Mr. Lucas is a recognized expert in management-side representation, handling a comprehensive range of legal matters with a strategic and results-oriented approach. He is a trusted legal counsel for corporations across the Mid-Atlantic Region and nationally, serving industries including maritime, ship repair, manufacturing, healthcare, and service sectors.

Mr. Lucas’s career began with invaluable experience as a Trial Specialist and Deputy to the Assistant General Counsel at the National Labor Relations Board. This foundational training honed his litigation skills and provided him with a deep understanding of labor law principles. Today, he expertly defends clients against a broad spectrum of employment-related claims, including those arising under Title VII, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and numerous other civil litigation cases. His expertise extends beyond simply defending lawsuits; he proactively guides clients in mitigating risk and ensuring compliance.

Beyond litigation, Mr. Lucas offers a robust counseling practice designed to protect businesses and provide strategic support. He assists clients with drafting critical employment policies, handbooks, and agreements – including vital non-competition agreements – and provides day-to-day advice on navigating complex workplace issues. He's renowned for his training programs, equipping managers and supervisors with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage their teams and avoid costly legal disputes, particularly in the area of union avoidance.

Mr. Lucas's advocacy extends beyond the courtroom. He actively represents clients in organizational campaigns, collective bargaining negotiations, and related litigation, leveraging his extensive experience to secure favorable outcomes. His dedication to excellence has been consistently recognized through his election as a Fellow in The College of Labor and Employment Law of the American Bar Association in 2009, solidifying his position as a leading authority in the field. He has also been consistently recognized by prestigious legal organizations, including being listed in Best Attorney USA since 1993, as well as “Legal Elite” by Virginia Business Magazine and as a Super Lawyer for the past nineteen years (2012 & 2013), and receiving an AV Peer-Review Rating by LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell. His active participation in professional organizations demonstrates his commitment to the legal community.

Education and Credentials

Mr. Lucas’s legal foundation is built on a strong academic background: He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hobart College (1970), a Master of Science degree from the Cornell School of Industrial and Labor Relations (1978), and a Juris Doctor degree from the Catholic University School of Law (1981). These degrees provide a rigorous and comprehensive understanding of labor and employment law.

Practice Areas

Mr. Lucas’s expertise encompasses the following key practice areas:

• Employment Law - Management: Dedicated to protecting management rights and providing strategic legal counsel.
• Labor Law - Management: Comprehensive representation in all aspects of labor law, including union avoidance and collective bargaining.
• Defense Litigation: Expert defense against Title VII, ADEA, FMLA, ADA, and other employment discrimination claims.
• Wage and Hour Law: Aggressive representation in wage and hour disputes, including FLSA and state wage laws.
• Civil Rights Litigation: Protecting clients’ rights against claims of discrimination and harassment.

Awards and Recognition

Mr. Lucas’s legal accomplishments have been widely acknowledged:

• Lawyer of the Year: Labor Law - Management (Norfolk, 2013)
• Recognized: Employment Law - Management, Recognized: Labor Law - Management
• Special Focus: Affirmative Action Plans, Arbitration and Mediation, Civil Rights, Covenants Not to Compete, COVID-19, Defense, Discrimination, Litigation, Management, State and Federal, Wage-Hour Law, Wrongful Discharge
• Best Attorney USA Recognition (Since 1993)
• Virginia Super Lawyers 2012 & 2013
• AV Peer-Review Rating by LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell

Affiliations

Mr. Lucas is an active and engaged member of several prominent legal organizations:

• Past Chair of the Labor and Employment Section of the Virginia Bar Association
• Active Member of the Employment Law Committee of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce
• Contributing Editor to The Developing Labor Law

Contact

City: Tysons, State: Virginia, Country: United States