Thomas Earl Patton

Introduction / Overview

In the rich tapestry of Washington, D.C.'s legal community, certain names stand out not only for their professional prowess but also for their profound impact on the legal profession itself. Thomas Earl Patton was one such individual, a highly respected and talented trial lawyer who left an indelible mark on the District's legal landscape. While the provided information indicates a physical address and contact details, it's important for local users in D.C. to understand that Mr. Patton, a prominent figure, is no longer actively practicing law, having passed away. However, his legacy and contributions continue to resonate. Mr. Patton was known for his extensive experience, having been a partner in the D.C. office of Schnader, Harrison, Segal & Lewis, and later co-founding his own distinguished firm, Tighe, Patton, Tabackman & Babin. His career was marked by significant achievements, including a notable acquittal in a high-profile white-collar case. Beyond his courtroom successes, Mr. Patton was a founding member of the D.C. Bar's assistance program for lawyers suffering from alcoholism, a testament to his dedication to the well-being of his colleagues and the health of the legal community. This initiative has helped thousands find and maintain sobriety, profoundly impacting countless lives and legal careers in Washington, D.C., and beyond. His story is one of legal acumen, unwavering ethics, and deep compassion, serving as an inspiring example within the District's professional circles.

Location and Accessibility

While Thomas Earl Patton is no longer practicing, the address associated with his former professional life, 1747 Pennsylvania Ave NW #300, Washington, DC 20006, USA, signifies a prime location within the heart of Washington, D.C.'s legal and political hub. This address places it directly on Pennsylvania Avenue, one of the most iconic streets in the nation's capital, just steps away from the White House and in close proximity to numerous federal buildings, courthouses, and prominent law firms. This central and prestigious location is indicative of the caliber of legal professionals and firms that operate in this area. For anyone seeking legal services in D.C., a firm operating from such a location would inherently offer excellent accessibility. The area is exceptionally well-served by public transportation, with several Metro stations (such as Farragut West and McPherson Square) within easy walking distance, providing convenient access for individuals from all quadrants of the city and its surrounding suburbs. While parking can be challenging in downtown D.C., numerous commercial garages are typically available nearby. The very nature of this location speaks to the high level of legal activity and the concentration of legal talent that defines Washington, D.C., making it a central point for those seeking top-tier legal expertise.

Services Offered

Based on available public information, Thomas Earl Patton was a highly respected and talented trial lawyer. His career spanned decades and included significant experience in various areas of litigation. While a comprehensive list of specific services is not explicitly detailed, his professional background indicates expertise in:

• Trial Law: As a "talented trial lawyer," he possessed extensive experience in representing clients in court, capable of handling complex litigation matters.
• White-Collar Criminal Defense: A notable highlight of his career was obtaining an acquittal for a client in a serious embezzlement case, which suggests a strong capability in defending against white-collar criminal charges.
• General Litigation: His overall career as a partner in prominent law firms and his own practice would imply a broad engagement in various civil and potentially some criminal litigation matters.
• Strategic Legal Counsel: Attorneys of his stature typically provide high-level strategic advice and guidance to clients navigating challenging legal situations.

It is important to reiterate that this information reflects Mr. Patton's historical practice, as he is no longer actively practicing law. However, his legacy is particularly strong in the area of legal community support, particularly through his involvement with the D.C. Bar's Lawyer Assistance Program. This reflects a broader commitment to the well-being of the legal profession, which can often be seen as an indirect "service" to the community by fostering a healthier and more ethical legal environment.

Features / Highlights

The distinguished career of Thomas Earl Patton is marked by several significant features and highlights:

• Highly Respected Trial Lawyer: Mr. Patton was widely regarded as a "widely respected and talented trial lawyer," indicating a high level of skill and ethical standing within the legal community.
• Founding Member of D.C. Bar's Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP): A truly profound highlight of his legacy is his role as a founder of the D.C. Bar's assistance program for lawyers struggling with alcoholism. This initiative has, to date, helped thousands of legal professionals find sobriety and sustain their careers.
• Significant Acquittal in High-Profile Case: One of his proudest professional moments was securing an acquittal in 1995 for the former director of the White House Travel Office, Billy Dale, in a widely publicized embezzlement case. This demonstrates his capability in complex, media-scrutinized white-collar defense.
• Extensive Firm Experience: His career included partnerships in reputable firms such as Schnader, Harrison, Segal & Lewis, and later co-founding Tighe, Patton, Tabackman & Babin, showcasing his leadership and sustained presence at the highest levels of legal practice.
• Commitment to Sobriety and Recovery: Having maintained his own sobriety for over four decades, Mr. Patton dedicated his life to helping other lawyers through their struggles with substance abuse, reflecting deep personal commitment and compassion.
• Beacon of Hope and Support: He was described as a "beacon of hope" in the community of recovering lawyers, tirelessly working to shift mindsets about addiction within the disciplinary system and courts.
• Impact on the Legal Profession: His efforts directly contributed to the creation and success of a vital program that has saved countless legal careers and lives within the D.C. Bar and beyond.
• Ethical and Professional Conduct: The consistent praise from colleagues and associates points to a career built on strong ethics, integrity, and professionalism.

These highlights collectively paint a picture of a legal professional who not only excelled in the courtroom but also made an enduring positive impact on the very fabric of the legal community in Washington, D.C.

Promotions or Special Offers

Given that the information pertains to Thomas Earl Patton, who is no longer actively practicing law, there are no current promotions or special offers to detail from his individual practice. Historically, top-tier trial lawyers of Mr. Patton's caliber typically did not offer generalized promotions in the way a retail business might. Their value was, and is, in their specialized expertise, strategic acumen, and proven track record in handling high-stakes litigation. While individual lawyers or firms may offer initial consultations, this would have been a standard practice to assess a case's viability and fit, rather than a promotional offer. The "value" Mr. Patton delivered was through his exceptional legal representation and his profound contributions to the D.C. Bar's Lawyer Assistance Program, which served as an invaluable, ongoing "offer" of support to the legal community without direct fees for those receiving assistance. For those seeking legal services now, they would engage with active firms that build their client relationships on bespoke service and demonstrated expertise, rather than promotional discounts.

Contact Information

For historical context and general reference regarding Thomas Earl Patton's former professional presence in Washington, D.C., the provided contact information is:

Address: 1747 Pennsylvania Ave NW #300, Washington, DC 20006, USA

Phone: (202) 454-2888

Mobile Phone: +1 202-454-2888

It is important to reiterate that this contact information relates to Mr. Patton's former practice, as he is no longer actively engaged in legal representation. For current legal needs, individuals in Washington, D.C., should seek out currently practicing attorneys or firms that specialize in their specific area of need.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

While Thomas Earl Patton is no longer actively practicing law, his legacy and the essence of what made him a respected figure in Washington, D.C., continue to offer valuable insights into what makes a lawyer truly suitable for locals in the District. His former office location at 1747 Pennsylvania Ave NW underscored a presence at the very heart of D.C.'s legal and governmental landscape, indicating a deep immersion in the federal legal environment that is crucial for many local cases. More importantly, Mr. Patton's commitment to the D.C. Bar's Lawyer Assistance Program highlights a profound dedication to the welfare of the local legal community itself. This commitment speaks to a lawyer who understood the human element behind the law and actively worked to strengthen the profession from within. For locals, this signifies a standard of professionalism, ethical conduct, and compassionate engagement that should be sought in any legal counsel. His track record as a "talented trial lawyer" in high-stakes cases, including white-collar defense, demonstrates the caliber of legal representation that D.C. residents often require. In essence, while you cannot directly retain Mr. Patton, his career provides a benchmark for the type of experienced, ethical, and community-minded legal professional that is ideally suited to serve the unique needs of individuals and businesses in Washington, D.C. His legacy reminds us that the best legal partners are not only skilled advocates but also pillars of integrity and support within their professional community.