About Thomas

Thomas A. Mickes is an attorney that specialize in schooling and labor law, based in St. Louis, Missouri. A member of the Missouri State Bar since 1979, he also joined the Florida State Bar in 1985. His legal credentials extend to practicing before the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for both the Eighth and Eleventh Circuits. Additionally, he's admitted to the U.S.

District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri, showcasing a robust legal foundation. In 2017, Mickes transitioned from managing shareholder to firm chairman at Mickes O’Toole, LLC, a firm he founded. Under his leadership, the firm has represented over three hundred instructional establishments, which includes extra than 250 faculty districts, private faculties, colleges, and universities. The firm’s commitment to excellence has earned it popularity as certainly one of the Best Education Law Firms by U.S. News & World Report. This accolade displays the company’s dedication to offering excessive-quality legal services tailored to the educational sector. Mickes has received severa accolades for his contributions to school law. In 2019, he was honored with the Missouri Lawyers Media ICON Award, which recognizes sustained success and leadership within the area.

His influence extends past his practice; he co-based the Missouri Council of School Attorneys and served as its president for two terms. His management on this company has helped shape policies and practices in school law throughout the state. Furthermore, he has been acknowledged by Super Lawyers and leading attorneys list as a main education attorney in Missouri and Kansas, underscoring his popularity amongst friends. Beyond his legal practice, Mickes has made meaningful contributions to education thru his coaching roles. He has taught in doctoral programs at each St. Louis University and Maryville University, sharing his expertise with future educators and lawyers. His commitment to schooling is also reflected in his service at the Board of Directors for the St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf and the Board of Education for the Archdiocese of St.

Louis. These roles have allowed him to persuade instructional policies and practices right away. Mickes earned his J.D. from Saint Louis University School of Law in 1979, followed by a Ph.D. in Education Administration from the identical institution in 1983. He additionally holds a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Missouri, in addition solidifying his educational background. On a private note, he is married to Karen, and they have two person daughters, Ellen and Sarah. Ellen is a lawyer, while Sarah is a public school instructor, reflecting the family's deep dedication to education and service of their network.

Education

Saint Louis University School of Law

J.D. (1979)

Languages

English (Spoken)

Accepted Jurisdictions

Florida
Missouri

Court Admissions

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit U.S. Circuit Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit U.S. Circuit Court
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri U.S. District Court
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri U.S. District Court
U.S. Supreme Court U.S. Supreme Court · Admitted 1989

Types of Cases Handled

Education Law Employment Law

Legal Services Scope

Litigation

Professional Associations

Missouri State Bar

has membership 1979 - Current

Office Locations

Main Office

 555 Maryville University Dr. Suite 240 St. Louis MO 63141

Sources

Information is based on available sources as of February 19, 2026. For the most current information, please refer to official records or contact the attorney directly.