About Thomas
Thomas A. Mickes is an attorney specializing in education and employment law, based in St. Louis, Missouri. A member of the Missouri State Bar since 1979, he also joined the Florida State Bar in 1985. His legal credentials extend to practicing before the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for both the Eighth and Eleventh Circuits. Additionally, he is admitted to the U.S.
District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri, showcasing a robust legal foundation. In 2017, Mickes transitioned from managing partner to firm chairman at Mickes O’Toole, LLC, a firm he founded. Under his leadership, the firm has represented over 300 educational institutions, including more than 250 school districts, private schools, colleges, and universities. The firm’s commitment to excellence has earned it recognition as one of the Best Education Law Firms by U.S. News & World Report. This accolade reflects the firm’s dedication to providing high-quality legal services tailored to the educational sector. Mickes has received numerous accolades for his contributions to education law. In 2019, he was honored with the Missouri Lawyers Media ICON Award, which recognizes sustained success and leadership in the field.
His influence extends beyond his practice; he co-founded the Missouri Council of School Attorneys and served as its president for two terms. His leadership in this organization has helped shape policies and practices in education law across the state. Furthermore, he has been recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers as a leading education attorney in Missouri and Kansas, underscoring his reputation among peers. Beyond his legal practice, Mickes has made significant contributions to education through his teaching roles. He has taught in doctoral programs at both St. Louis University and Maryville University, sharing his expertise with future educators and legal professionals. His commitment to education is also reflected in his service on the Board of Directors for the St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf and the Board of Education for the Archdiocese of St.
Louis. These roles have allowed him to influence educational policies and practices directly. Mickes earned his J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law in 1979, followed by a Ph.D. in Education Administration from the same institution in 1983. He also holds a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Missouri, further solidifying his academic background. On a personal note, he is married to Karen, and they have two adult daughters, Ellen and Sarah. Ellen is an attorney, while Sarah is a public school teacher, reflecting the family's deep commitment to education and service in their community.
