Theodore Roosevelt once said, “There is not a man of us who does not at times need a helping hand to be stretched out to him, and then shame upon him who will not stretch out the helping hand to his brother.” Practicing law is one way Tad has chosen to lend that helping hand. When clients call his office, it is because they are in need of someone to champion their cause and help them through a traumatic time in their lives. But, there are many other ways Thomas Law Offices gives back to the community because it is part of their mission.
Race to Cure Sarcoma Louisville Run/Walk
As the presenting sponsor of the 2025 Race to Cure Sarcoma™ Louisville, Thomas Law Offices was proud to stand with the Sarcoma Foundation of America in the fight against this rare and aggressive cancer. Held on August 9, 2025, at Louisville’s Waterfront, the run/walk unites survivors, families, and supporters to raise critical funds for sarcoma research grants. Sarcomas account for only 1% of adult cancers but represent a staggering 21% of childhood cancers, impacting more than 225,000 patients and families in the United States at any given time.
With over $1.3 million raised nationwide through the Race to Cure Sarcoma™ series to date, the Louisville community plays a vital role in advancing research, improving treatment options, and increasing survival rates. By sponsoring, Thomas Law Offices reaffirms its commitment to supporting life-changing medical advancements and giving hope to those affected.
Trent McDuffie and Thomas Law Offices – Extracurricular Fund
Thomas Law Offices partnered with Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie to launch the Trent McDuffie and Thomas Law Offices Extracurricular Fund, a new initiative supporting young people in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City (BBBSKC) program. The fund provides scholarships of up to $250 per child to help cover costs for athletic equipment, uniforms, camp fees, and other extracurricular needs—removing barriers that often prevent kids from pursuing their passions.
The program’s kickoff event on July 14, 2025, brought together McDuffie, Managing Partner Tad Thomas, and 12 children for a special dinner and giveaway ceremony. This collaboration reflects Thomas Law Offices’ deep commitment to uplifting communities and creating opportunities for young people to thrive both on and off the field.
Animal Care Society Volunteer Day
Thomas Law Offices joined forces with the University of Louisville Cardinals football team, 502Circle, and the Animal Care Society (ACS) for a hands-on volunteer day dedicated to helping rescue animals. On February 4, 2025, volunteers spent the afternoon cleaning, organizing, and preparing ACS’s new facility, ensuring it was ready to welcome animals in need as the shelter transitioned to its updated location.
The collaboration supported ACS’s decades-long mission of rescuing and rehoming adoptable pets, while also highlighting the power of local partnerships in creating meaningful change. By working alongside student-athletes, community organizations, and shelter staff, Thomas Law Offices reinforced its commitment to giving back and making a positive impact beyond the courtroom.
Cincinnati Bengals and Thomas Law Offices – Jeremiah Scholars
Thomas Law Offices partnered with Cincinnati Bengals players Mike Gesicki and Kris Jenkins to honor six outstanding high school seniors as 2025’s Jeremiah Scholars during a dinner at Pepp & Dolores in downtown Cincinnati. The evening celebrated students who have demonstrated exceptional promise despite significant financial challenges, awarding each up to $5,000 in renewable scholarship support for college or trade school, along with a laptop, college supplies, and ongoing mentorship.
In a highlight of the night, two recipients were surprised with on-the-spot scholarship announcements, complete with oversized check presentations. With heartfelt remarks from Gesicki and Jenkins about the power of education and mentorship, the event underscored Thomas Law Offices’ commitment to empowering the next generation and removing barriers to higher education.
TJ Edwards and Thomas Law Offices – Boys & Girls Club of Greater Chicago
For Giving Tuesday in 2024, Thomas Law Offices partnered with Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Chicago to make the holiday season brighter for a local family in need. Together, they provided gifts and essentials that the family would not otherwise have had the opportunity to receive, offering both joy and relief during a challenging time.
Founder Tad Thomas emphasized that giving back is at the heart of the firm’s mission—whether through legal advocacy, community programs, or partnerships with local organizations. Edwards, an Illinois native, echoed that sentiment, sharing his gratitude for the community that shaped him and the importance of paying it forward. This Giving Tuesday celebration was a testament to the power of collaboration and compassion, showing how small acts of generosity can make a big impact.
ACS’s 21st Annual Bark in the Park Fundraiser
As the proud sponsor of Animal Care Society’s 21st annual “Bark in the Park” fundraiser, Thomas Law Offices joined Louisville Cardinals quarterback Tyler Shough and the Louisville community at The Parklands of Floyds Fork for a day celebrating ACS’s 40th anniversary. The event featured a four-mile race and one-mile fun run/walk, followed by a lively family festival with pet-friendly vendors, a Kidszone, lure course entertainment, and more.
Proceeds from the fundraiser support ACS’s mission as Kentucky’s first no-kill animal shelter, providing care and finding loving homes for thousands of dogs and cats over the past four decades. By sponsoring this milestone event, Thomas Law Offices reinforced its dedication to causes that strengthen the community—both for people and the animals who bring joy to their lives.
Brady Cook and Thomas Law Offices – Boys & Girls Club of Columbia
Thomas Law Offices partnered with University of Missouri quarterback Brady Cook to bring an unforgettable surprise to the kids and teens at the Boys & Girls Club of Columbia, Missouri—new shoes for the school year. During the visit, part of the Club’s summer camp program, Cook handed out around 50 pairs of shoes donated by the firm, signed autographs on footballs and sneakers, and even tossed passes with the excited students.
For many, it was a day filled with smiles, inspiration, and the joy of knowing their community cares. Cook shared that his role as Missouri’s quarterback gives him the opportunity to give back, while Thomas Law Offices’ founder Tad Thomas emphasized that this was the firm’s first partnership with the Boys & Girls Club and the beginning of many similar events nationwide. This collaboration reflected the firm’s ongoing mission to uplift communities and make a lasting difference in the lives of young people.
Kosair Shrine Circus
For years, Tad has proudly sponsored underprivileged children and families to provide them with the opportunity to experience the magic and excitement of the Kosair Shrine Circus in Louisville, Kentucky. The Kosair Shrine Circus is more than just a spectacle of acrobatics, clowns, and dazzling performances—it is a tradition that brings joy to generations of families while supporting a mission of care and community service.
By providing tickets to families who might not otherwise have the means to attend, Tad helps ensure that the magic of the circus reaches those who need it most.
His support extends to advocating for the event and the work of the Kosair Shriners, who dedicate their efforts to helping children in need—whether through medical care, community outreach, or charitable giving. Tad’s passion for making the circus accessible is part of his broader dedication to enriching the lives of children and strengthening the Louisville community.
Whether in the audience watching a child’s face light up with amazement or working behind the scenes to ensure continued support for this cherished tradition, Tad remains a steadfast advocate for the Kosair Shrine Circus.
Louisville Free Public Library
Libraries provide communities with immeasurable value. They are places of life-long learning, where children can not only supplement their education, but find within the stacks far away places and new dreams that will dictate the paths their lives will follow. Opportunities abound within the walls of a library. Business owners can find resources and know-how for expanding. Workers can find help building resumes and applying for jobs.
Libraries are also places for the community to meet. Whether it is book clubs, civic groups or town hall meetings, libraries are a place where citizens can not only learn about the rights, but exercise them.
Because Tad believes libraries are essential to every community, he has been an advocate and activist for the Louisville Free Public Library for many years. Originally appointed to the Library Advisory Commission by former Louisville Mayor, Jerry Abramson, he currently serves as Chair of the Commission for Mayor Greg Fischer. In 2007, Tad was also elected to the Library Foundation where he currently serves on the Boards’ advocacy committee. It is not unusual to see Tad in the halls of the capitol in Frankfort, or in the meeting rooms of city hall, advocating for improvements in the library system. Tad has also previously served as President, Vice President, and a member of the Executive Board for the Friends of the Louisville Free Public Library and still volunteers at the group’s book sales.
His passion continues to grow to promote the library, and expand its outreach.
Educating Lawyers
The first rule of ethics for attorneys is that they be competent in their practice. As technology becomes an ever increasing part of the practice of law, Tad has travelled the nation giving presentations to help lawyers, not only remain competent, but to excel in using technology to help their clients. Over the last several years he has been a nationally sought after speaker and has given dozens of presentations to lawyers on the use of new technology in their practices such as iPads and cloud computing.
Tad also frequently gives presentations on the ethical issues that arise when attorneys use social media such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Most recently, he was invited to speak at the American Association for Justice’s Weekend with the Stars in New York, NY, one of AAJ’s most prestigious programs.
Tad is an active member of the American Association for Justice (AAJ) in many other ways as well. He has served on countless committees, helping plan and serve as faculty for the organization’s continuing legal education courses. “AAJ is an organization that serves two purposes. First, it fights to protect the rights of our clients, those who have been injured as a result of the conduct of others. And, second, it works to help other lawyers do the same,” Thomas said. “My involvement in AAJ is merely another way for me to give back.”
If that weren’t enough, Tad is active in the Kentucky Justice Association. There he serves as the chair of the Continuing Legal Education Committee and as a member of the Legislative Affairs Committee. He has made many trips to Frankfort advocating against legislation that would harm senior citizens, nursing home residents, motorists and many other members of our community. “Advocating for my clients in the courtroom is only effective if there are laws in place to protect them from harm and laws that see to it victims are compensated when they have been harmed. I don’t believe that a lawyer is doing his clients justice by sitting at his or her desk while legislation is being enacted that takes away their clients’ rights,” Tad stated.