About Michael Paul
Michael Paul Thomas is a partner at Patrick, Harper & Dixon LLP, located at 34 2nd Street NW, Suite 400, in Hickory, North Carolina. He joined the North Carolina State Bar in 2001, starting a distinguished legal career. The firm specializes in addressing complex business issues, including regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and employment law matters. With a strong foundation in legal education and practical experience, Thomas has developed a robust practice that focuses primarily on advising health care providers on regulatory compliance. He earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Washington and Lee University in 2001. Prior to that, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Princeton University in 1998.
During his time in law school, Thomas gained inexperience by clerking for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. This position allowed him to observe the details of federal court proceedings, further shaping his legal acumen. Thomas’s practice encompasses many regulatory compliance issues, including the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute, as well as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). He provides counsel to health care providers navigating these complex regulations. Additionally, he represents clients in employment litigation, focusing on cases involving trade secrets, non-compete agreements, and civil rights violations.
His expertise in these areas has established him as a trusted advisor in the legal community. Before joining Patrick, Harper & Dixon in 2004, Thomas worked as an associate attorney at a firm in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he specialized in business litigation. His experience as a law clerk for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina further developed his skills in litigation and legal strategy. In addition to his legal practice, he is a certified North Carolina Superior Court Mediator, which enhances his ability to resolve disputes effectively. Active in professional organizations, Thomas is a member of the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys, where he has served as past president of both the Employment Law Section and the Young Lawyers Committee.
He is also a member of the North Carolina Bar Association and the Catawba County Bar Association, having served as past president of the latter. His commitment to community service is evident through his pro bono work and involvement on the Board of Trustees of Catawba Valley Medical Center, as well as his role as a trustee for Lenoir-Rhyne University. Residing in Hickory with his wife, Laura, and their four sons, Thomas balances a successful legal career with a strong commitment to family and community.
