About

Thomas G. Oakes

A Leader in Legal Technology, Litigation Support, and Court Reporting

Thomas G. Oakes is a nationally recognized litigation technology expert, educator, court reporter, and speaker with over four decades of experience in the legal field. As the founder and principal of Thomas G. Oakes Associates, LLC, he has built a highly respected national litigation support and court reporting firm, serving Fortune 500 companies, major law firms, insurance carriers, and self-insured entities.

Tom has been a speaker and presenter at over 25 litigation seminars and webinars, educating attorneys, legal professionals, and insurers on trial presentation, courtroom technology, and deposition strategies. He is also a founding member of the FDCC Evolve program, a cutting-edge initiative aimed at advancing technology in the practice of law.

Professional Background & Expertise

Tom began his career in 1977 after graduating from the Stenotype Institute of Philadelphia. He served as an official court reporter for both:

In 1986, he founded Thomas G. Oakes Associates, which has since become a trusted national provider of court reporting and litigation services, including large-scale complex litigation databases and repositories; known for precision, professionalism, and technological expertise.

Certifications & Professional Achievements

Tom holds multiple advanced court reporting certifications, including:

Additionally, Tom is an expert in legal technology and a Certified TrialDirector Trainer for multiple software versions:

Professional Memberships & Industry Leadership

National Court Reporters Association (NCRA)
New Jersey Certified Court Reporters Association
Pennsylvania Court Reporters Association
The Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC) – Technology Committee
The International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) – 2002 Trial Academy
FDCC Evolve Program - Founding Member
FDCC Deposition Bootcamps - Member

Educator & Thought Leader in Legal Technology

Tom is an adjunct professor at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law, where he teaches trial technology as part of the LLM in Trial Advocacy program. His contributions to legal education and advocacy have earned him industry recognition, including:

Tom has also been actively involved in teaching at the FDCC Evolve Program and Deposition Bootcamps, where he has trained attorneys on the use of technology in depositions and trial preparation. His hands-on approach has helped countless litigators refine their trial presentation skills using cutting-edge digital tools.

Speaking Engagements & Seminars

As a leading expert in litigation technology and trial presentation, Tom has been a featured speaker and presenter at over 25 litigation seminars and webinars, including international conferences and legal symposiums.

International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC)

TrialDirector Presentation – Whistler, BC, Canada
The High-Tech Trial – Maui, HI (Panel included A. Kopon, Nancy Erfle, John Penhallegon, and Judge Loo) – Trial Presentation Windows & iPad
Preparing and Presenting Your Trial on the iPad – Carlsbad, CA
Technology Strategies for Lawyers Who Want to Win – Pebble Beach, CA
Technology Strategies for Lawyers (Part 2) – Scottsdale, AZ
IADC Webinar – Preparing Your Trial on the iPad

Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC)

High-Tech Courtroom Rules – Williamsburg, VA
An App a Day Keeps the Jury in Play – San Antonio, TX
Technology in the Palm of Your Hand – Colorado Springs, CO
Simplifying a Complex World – Marco Island, FL
Taking On The Experts: How to Examine Experts Effectively – Amelia Island, FL
From Mediation to Trial: Using Technology to Exceed Expectations – Banff, Alberta, Canada
Webinar – “The Art of Presentation”
Interactive Deposition Technology – Workshop – Charleston, SC
TrialMasters – Mock Jury Polling & Trial Presentation – Charleston, SC

American Bar Association (ABA)

Emerging Issues in Motor Vehicle Product Liability Litigation – “Effectively Using Trial Technology” – Phoenix, AZ

Philadelphia Bar Association

Litigation Summit – Tech Strategies for Lawyers Who Want to Win (with Larry Bendesky, Jack Delany, and Professor Barbara Ashcroft)
Litigation Summit – Technology Trending (with David Kwass and William Ricci)

Additional Legal & Insurance Industry Presentations

Liberty Mutual Insurance Company – TrialDirector & Use of Technology in Litigation
Gloucester County Bar Association (NJ) – Effective Use of Technology in Courtrooms
Delaware County Bar Association (PA) – Technology: Techniques, Tips, and Uses
Temple University Law School – Trial Techniques & Practices – TrialDirector Training
Meadowbrook/Century Surety – Technology Trending in and Out of the Courtroom
Emory University – Litigation Management College – Atlanta, GA
FDCC TrialMasters – Trial Technology Seminar – Montreux, Switzerland

Publications & Articles Written

Tom has authored several articles and industry guides on trial technology and courtroom presentation, including:

"Trial Tips – From the Official Court Reporter’s Perspective" (IADC)
"Electronic Trial Presentation – A Primer: Best Practice Tips" (IADC)
"Use of Technology in Depositions" (FDCC)
"What Is Your Tech Strategy?" (FDCC – Charleston, SC)
"Technology Strategies for Lawyers Who Want to Win" (IADC & ABA)

Notable Cases & Media Recognition

Throughout his over 45-year career, Tom has handled many high-profile cases, some of which have been adapted into books and films:

John Doe vs. Kohn, Nast & Graf – Basis for the movie "Philadelphia", starring Tom Hanks.
Eric Thomas vs. Ford Motor Company – Basis for the book "Cape May Courthouse - A Death in the Night."
Willie Jerome Brown vs. General Motors Corporation – Case involving Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro Defensive Lineman.
Mahwah Case – HBO Documentary

A Passion for Excellence in Litigation & Legal Technology

Tom Oakes is dedicated to advancing litigation strategy, courtroom technology, and deposition techniques. His work continues to shape how attorneys present, analyze, and win cases in modern courtrooms.