An experienced trial attorney with over 40 jury verdicts as lead counsel, Thomas O’Dea concentrates his practice in civil litigation on behalf of individuals and corporations in a wide variety of matters ranging from commercial litigation to personal injury litigation. Tom has also litigated numerous legal malpractice and trucking industry cases.

Additionally, Tom has defended businesses against claims of unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment and unlawful discharge. He provides counsel and training to employers on workplace issues, including implementation of policies on sexual harassment and discrimination.

From 1995 to 2004, Tom served as a member of the Police Officers Standards and Training Council (POST), which is responsible for overseeing all training and certification of municipal police officers in Connecticut. From 1997 to 2004, he served by appointment of the governor as a Victim Compensation Commissioner within the state’s judicial branch, responsible for adjudicating claims brought by victims of crimes. In 2004, Tom was appointed to the Judicial Selection Commission, including time as chair. The Judicial Selection Commission is responsible for recommending the appointment and reappointment of state court judges. Tom was a member of the New Canaan’s Town Council from 2005 until January, 2013 when he was elected to Connecticut’s State House of Representatives for the 125th District, which includes most of New Canaan and part of Wilton. See http://cthousegop.com/tom-odea/

• Represented a family business in an alleged defective pool class action matter and obtained a multimillion dollar verdict against the concrete manufacturer in state court.

• Represented a Fortune 500 company in a Fair Labor Standards class action in federal district court.

• Obtained a Defendant’s verdict in a tractor trailer accident alleging serious physical injuries in state court.

• Obtained a Defendant’s verdict in a retaliatory discharge claim against a housing authority in state court.

• Providence College, Bachelor of Science, 1988; Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America, Juris Doctor, 1991

• Attorney O’Dea in 2006 earned the highest rating of AV from the peer-reviewed legal directory, Martindale-Hubbell.