About the Editor

Thomas G. Oakes

45+ Years in Courtroom Litigation Support, Trial Technology, and Legal Education

Thomas G. Oakes is a Philadelphia-based legal professional with more than 45 years of experience in courtroom litigation support, court reporting, trial technology, and legal education. As the founder and editor of PhillyLegalNews.com, he brings decades of firsthand courtroom experience to legal reporting, analysis, and commentary focused on the evolving practice of law.

Throughout his career, Tom has worked alongside trial lawyers, judges, and legal teams in complex litigation, helping shape how cases are presented, understood, and decided. His work in courtroom technology, trial presentation, and deposition strategy has positioned him as a trusted resource for legal professionals seeking clarity, precision, and effective advocacy in high-stakes environments.

As the founder and principal of Thomas G. Oakes Associates, LLC, he built a nationally recognized litigation support and court reporting firm serving Fortune 500 companies, major law firms, insurance carriers, and self-insured entities. His firm became known for precision, professionalism, and the integration of advanced technology into complex litigation workflows.

Tom has also been a speaker and presenter at more than 25 litigation seminars and webinars, educating attorneys, legal professionals, and insurers on trial presentation, courtroom technology, and deposition strategies. He is a founding member of the FDCC Evolve program and has played a key role in advancing the use of technology in modern legal practice.

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:

The Court of Common Pleas, First Judicial District of Pennsylvania
The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

These roles placed him directly inside the courtroom on a daily basis, working alongside judges, attorneys, and litigants in a wide range of civil and complex litigation matters.

In 1986, he founded Thomas G. Oakes Associates, which grew into a trusted national provider of court reporting and litigation support services. The firm became known for its precision, professionalism, and early adoption of technology in managing complex litigation databases and trial presentation systems.

Certifications & Professional Achievements

Tom holds multiple advanced court reporting and litigation support certifications, reflecting the highest levels of professional skill and technical expertise in the field:

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

Professional Memberships & Industry Leadership

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 work focuses on equipping attorneys with practical skills in courtroom presentation, digital evidence, and litigation strategy. 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.

🏆 Recognized by Temple University Beasley School of Law and the American Bar Association

PhillyLegalNews reflects the influence of Temple University Beasley School of Law, where the LL.M. in Trial Advocacy helped shape its foundation and direction. The platform’s focus on trial advocacy, courtroom technology, and legal education is rooted in that experience.

Tom has also been recognized by both Temple University Beasley School of Law and the American Bar Association for his ongoing contributions to the legal community, including his work in trial technology, legal education, and legal journalism.

These recognitions reflect a continued commitment to advancing the understanding of litigation, advocacy, and courtroom presentation through informed reporting and real-world experience.

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
FDCC https://thefederation.orgWebinar – “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)

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.

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.