Thompson Coe expands Governmental Entities and Civil Rights service area with lateral hire of four seasoned trial and appellate attorneys.
Thompson, Coe, Cousins & Irons, LLP, a premier litigation firm, is proud to announce the addition of four attorneys from the Dallas firm Fanning Harper Martinson Brandt & Kutchin. Joining Thompson Coe on July 1, 2025, will be lateral partners Thomas Brandt, Christopher Brandt, John Husted, and Christopher Livingston.
With more than 260 attorneys, Thompson Coe continues to broaden its service capabilities to meet the legal needs of its clients. The addition of four attorneys to the Dallas office will enhance the firm’s capabilities in representing governmental entities, school districts, law enforcement agencies, and other public officials, as well as individuals in constitutional, civil rights, and employment matters.
“Our firm is focused on strategic growth, and this group of dedicated attorneys will build upon that goal by enhancing our practice areas with their depth and breadth of experience,” Shawn Phelan, Chair of Management Committee, said. “Client relationships underpin everything we do at Thompson Coe, and finding like-minded attorneys ensures that our firm will continue to provide exceptional legal services for any challenge our clients are facing.”
Thomas Brandt represents cities, counties, school districts, public officials, and private sector clients in the areas of civil rights and employment law. In addition to his active litigation practice, Tom served as general counsel for several local government entities and private businesses, and has been chosen to conduct high-profile public integrity investigations.
We are confident that joining Thompson Coe will be beneficial for both our attorneys and our clients. Joining Thompson Coe is a natural fit that will build upon our client relationships and help us maintain the high-quality, effective representation that our clients have come to expect from us.
Christopher Brandt represents clients in civil rights and employment litigation, local government defense, school law, appellate advocacy, and personal injury defense.
John Husted focuses his civil litigation practice on representing counties, cities, school districts, and other public and private sector entities, as well as their officials, in all levels of federal and state courts, as well as in administrative proceedings. He has experience defending clients in various areas, including civil rights, constitutional law, employment law, contract disputes, takings and land use, and school law.
Chris Livingston has represented more than 200 law enforcement officers in shootings, deaths in custody, and other critical incidents. He has spoken on legal issues before government groups, including those related to whistleblowers, discrimination, employment law, police use of force (including excessive force), and ERISA preemption.
Thompson Coe provides legal services to clients both regionally and nationally across offices in Colorado, Hawaii, Louisiana, Minnesota, New York, and Texas.