LACDL Member Spotlight: A. Thomas Dewey
Posted by [email protected] on Nov. 3, 2026 / Subscribe 0
From Protecting the Public to Defending Constitutional Rights
For A. Thomas Dewey, a career in criminal defense was a natural evolution of his commitment to serving and protecting others. After serving in the military and as a Baton Rouge police officer, his appreciation for the Constitution and passion for helping people led him to the other side of the courtroom.
Now with 19 years of experience practicing law, Dewey sees his role as a criminal defense attorney as an extension of that same commitment to justice.
"Our job is to uphold the Constitution by holding the police and the government to standards set forth by the law and the courts," he explains.
Dewey's journey to becoming an attorney was anything but traditional. At 37, he enrolled in law school part-time while working full-time as a police officer and raising three sons as a single father. Opening his own law firm was a significant milestone, but he considers the relationships he builds with his clients to be his greatest professional reward.
"The highlight of my career is the gratitude I receive from my clients, even after less than successful results, because they had someone in their corner who was willing to fight for them."
His dedication to continued learning has also shaped his practice. As a board member of a DUI defense lawyers association, Dewey has the opportunity to learn from leading attorneys across the country and share his own expertise at seminars. He recently put his ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist certification to work in a challenging DWI case, identifying problems with blood-test evidence that ultimately helped secure a reduction in charges.
Beyond the courtroom, Dewey is passionate about fitness, a lifelong interest that began at age 13, and enjoys traveling with his wife, Jana. He credits his older brother, Peter, an attorney himself, as one of his greatest influences and an example of hard work, dedication, and faith.
When asked what advice he would offer fellow attorneys, Dewey emphasizes the importance of finding fulfillment in the work while maintaining perspective.
"Your career is important, but always remember that you need to have balance. For me, my Faith, Family, and Fitness are the most important, so don't lose track of what is most important to you when chasing your career."
For Dewey, criminal defense is more than a profession. It's an opportunity to serve others, protect their rights, and help them move forward with their lives.
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