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Overview
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Experience
Introduction
Thomas helps clients litigate complex commercial disputes, defend against criminal charges, respond to government enforcement actions, and conduct internal investigations.
Thomas D. Ryerson advocates for clients in high-stakes civil and criminal cases. He is ranked as a leading lawyer by Chambers USA, in which he was praised as “a formidable opponent in litigation” who “always serves his clients very well” and “distills concepts for others who don't have the background or expertise.”
Thomas litigates civil and criminal cases in federal and state courts, while also representing clients in complex commercial arbitration. These matters arise across a variety of industry sectors, including construction, real estate, financial services, energy, agriculture, gaming, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and securities. He also advises public agencies on a range of matters, including those relating to state and federal constitutional law.
Thomas represents individuals and corporate defendants in government investigations and criminal proceedings in federal and state courts and before government agencies. He advises clients for the full enforcement lifecycle, from early-stage investigation through sentencing. Thomas also conducts internal investigations in anticipation of government scrutiny or other legal exposure.
Education & credentials
- William & Mary Law School, J.D., Order of the Coif, William and Mary Law Review, 2010
- Oregon State University, B.S., American Studies, summa cum laude, 2007
- Arizona
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona
- Hon. Rebecca BerchSupreme Court of Arizona
Professional recognition
Listed in Chambers USA as an "Up and Coming" Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigation Lawyer, 2020-2024; “America’s Leading Lawyer” for Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations, 2026
Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Commercial Litigation Law; Criminal Defense: White-Collar Law, 2021-2025
Listed as a "Super Lawyer" by Southwest Super Lawyers, 2024-2025
Listed as a “Rising Star” in Southwest Super Lawyers, 2016-2020
Impact
- Maricopa County Superior Court, Judge Pro Tem
- Arizona State University, Sandra Day O'Connor School of Law, Adjunct Professor
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member
- Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice, Member
- Represented aerospace company in arbitration challenging rights to manufacture and sell aircraft.
- Represented energy company in arbitration related to exercise of option to lease development land.
- Represented owners and contractors in complex construction disputes.
- Represented Arizona state agency in litigation related to exercise of powers under the Arizona constitution.
- Represented Indian Tribe in litigation regarding religious rights and land access.
- Represented corporation in commercial litigation dispute in tribal court.
- Represented doctor and clinic in proceedings before the Arizona Medical Board and Arizona Department of Health Services.
- Defended company from wage-and-hour claims.
- Obtained unanimous jury verdict in favor of inmate alleging excessive use of force by prison guards.
- Obtained release for long-incarcerated individual defendant following post-conviction relief petition.
- Defended company against charges of environment crimes, resulting in dismissal of indictment.
- Represented defendant in prosecution by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) National Security Division involving the Classified Information Procedures Act and alleged violations of the Arms Control Export Act.
- Defended CEO charged in parallel actions by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the DOJ alleging securities and wire fraud.
- Advised public company audit committee following investigation into whistleblower allegations.
- Represented public company executive identified as potential witness in grand jury proceedings.
- Represented healthcare provider against allegations related to prescription practices.
- Advised independent FCPA Corporate Compliance Monitor appointed by the SEC and DOJ in connection with a deferred prosecution agreement.
- Defended individual against criminal charges of fraudulent schemes in connection with payment processing systems.
- Represented individual defendant in post-conviction relief proceedings challenging restitution obligations.
- Obtained dismissal of indictment alleging fraudulent schemes and theft related to reimbursed expenses.
- Litigated habeas corpus petition seeking to modify nature of confinement for individual defendant.
- Represented corporate pharmaceutical wholesaler following U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) criminal investigation and civil forfeiture proceeding.
- Defended individual against allegation of assault under the Major Crimes Act, obtaining favorable resolution and time-served sentence.
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