Tom Calhoun-Lopez is a mission-oriented litigator who brings the credibility of a former federal prosecutor and the discipline of a retired Army officer to high-stakes white-collar defense and complex litigation. According to Tom, “I became an attorney because I believe the law is humanity’s greatest invention. The law should always ensure that people are treated fairly and justly. It’s up to lawyers to make those lofty ideals a reality. I am dedicated to ensuring that my clients receive the full benefits and protection of the law in addition to top-notch legal representation.” His experience in combat and in the courtroom has taught him to remain calm in crisis and to fight relentlessly for clients facing what is often among the most difficult experiences of their lives or careers.

Tom Calhoun-Lopez serves as counsel in Lathrop GPM’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution group. As a former federal prosecutor with over 15 years of service in the Justice Department and a retired U.S. Army officer with combat experience, Tom brings a unique perspective to white-collar criminal defense, government investigations, and complex litigation. He understands the government’s approach from the inside and leverages that insight to guide clients through the often-stressful world of federal investigations and enforcement actions.

Tom represents clients in white-collar criminal matters, internal investigations, and complex litigation. As a federal prosecutor in the District of Minnesota, he was chief of Violent and Major Crimes. In that leadership capacity, he oversaw a gang initiative targeting violent criminal organizations in the Twin Cities, including a series of RICO trials aimed at dismantling the largest gang in Minneapolis. The initiative involved complex litigation and a series of large-scale jury trials. Tom also served as lead prosecutor in a complex carjacking conspiracy prosecution, dismantling a violent ring that was preying on rideshare drivers. More recently, he served as senior counsel in a high-profile prosecution involving the unlawful supply of firearms to a felon who used them to ambush and murder three Burnsville first responders.

Tom’s military service further shaped his approach to litigation. He served as a military judge in the U.S. Army, presiding over courts-martial involving serious felonies. This experience on the bench gave him a different perspective on trials and made him a more effective litigator. As an Army officer, he also served as in-house counsel, advising commanders on complex areas of law including employment law, internal investigations, and contract and fiscal law. His military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal for service in Iraq, the Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, and the Combat Action Badge for combat engagement. He also graduated from the Army’s Airborne School and Air Assault School.

Tom is an experienced trial lawyer who is most at home in the courtroom. He believes that the willingness to go to trial in high-stakes litigation is the key to success in negotiation. Tom notes that “the willingness to go to trial and the experience and drive to win in the courtroom often resolves issues and ensures that clients get the justice they deserve.” He is a mission-oriented attorney, dedicated to meeting his clients’ needs no matter the hardship. Through his experience as an active-duty combat Army officer and a federal prosecutor, he does not accept defeat and does not rest until justice has been done for his clients.

Areas of Focus

Services

Credentials

Education

  • The George Washington University Law School (J.D., 2001)
  • University of Minnesota (B.A., Political Science, Journalism)

Admissions

Bar Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • Not Admitted in Minnesota