Thomas O. Fitzpatrick, Esquire

Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in Philadelphia

Thomas “Fitz” O. Fitzpatrick is a fighter accustomed to winning. Recognized as Top 1% of Attorneys in America, a former collegiate athlete, he brings his competitive nature to every case. He is also a member of the undefeated Villanova Wildcat Football team led by his roommate, legendary Philadelphia Eagles’ running back Brian Westbrook.

Experience

After serving as an Extern on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals for the Honorable Dolores K. Sloviter, Fitz began his career as prosecutor elevating to sex crimes prosecutor in the elite Family Violence and Sexual Assault Unit of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. Fitz, a JD/MBA, leverages his knowledge of complex investigation techniques and business practices in representing his clients. Fitz’s practice covers many facets of white-collar criminal defense and civil rights’ litigation, including employment discrimination, and police misconduct.

Over the last decade, Fitz’s achievements as a trial attorney have grown in both scope and notoriety. Covered extensively in the media, his work has resulted in significant financial awards, settlements, and verdicts in favor of his clients. As lead trial counsel, Fitz has prevailed in a number of matters where others have been unwilling to fight. He has represented clients against Fortune 500 companies, national organizations, government entities, federal law enforcement, private institutions, regional hospitals, and powerful pharmaceutical companies.

In addition to his trial work, Fitz lends his business acumen and legal insights to clients involved in business disputes and organizational investigations. Fitz has defended private citizens and for-profit/not-for-profit organizations against state and federal criminal indictments, corruption investigations, and grand jury proceedings.

Education & Licenses

Fitz graduated from the Villanova University School of Business receiving an undergraduate degree in marketing. He earned his joint JD/MBA at the Villanova University School of Law as an Albert Goldberg Scholar. Fitz is admitted to practice in several federal jurisdictions. He is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and Georgia.

Professional & Community Involvement

A true leader in the legal community, Fitz is an appointed member of the Lawyers’ Advisory Council to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Fitz has served as President of the Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia, Co-Chair of the Criminal Justice Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association, and member of the Board of Governors. His peers have recognized his talent for practicing law by voting him the Outstanding Young Lawyer of 2011. He has also been named as a Rising Stars℠ honoree by Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® in 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2014 and Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® honoree in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018.

Currently, Fitz serves as a trustee on the board of Drexel University. Additionally, he maintains involvement in several civic and professional organizations including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., NAACP, National Bar Association, Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia, Villanova Law Alumni Board of Directors, Overbrook Farms Club Homeowners Association, and J. Willard O'Brien American Inn of Court.

Impact Cases

• Justice v. Lombardo, scheduled for argument in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
• Represented United States Congressman on large-scale federal corruption indictment.
• Represented CEO of Non-Profit Organization against multiple allegations of ethics violations.
• Multimillion-dollar settlement for medical malpractice in knee replacement claim.
• Multimillion-dollar recovery in medical malpractice sleep apnea claim.
• 16-Year-old boy acquitted of 1st-degree murder charge
• Secured not guilty verdict on multiple federal Hobbs Act robberies caught on video.
• Represented physician in allegation of stalking harassment.
• Secured acquittal on multiple Kilos of cocaine for Delaware man in federal court.
• Commonwealth v. Bolden, Bolden was acquitted of disarming police and now plaintiff in civil rights claim.
• Prevailed in school closure matter on behalf of Charter School.

Fitz, is one of a select few civil rights’ attorneys in Pennsylvania to prevail in a jury trial and ultimately have his matter elevated to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for review of a Commonwealth Court decision that overturned his jury victory. The outcome of the matter will settle law in Pennsylvania on the limitations of scope of employment defenses in excessive force claims.