Baylor Law School
Freshman Class President
President and Vice President of the Moot Court Society
1989
Wage Theft and Overtime Trial Lawyer Thomas H. Padgett Jr., J.D.
A Proven Trial Attorney
As a trial lawyer since 1989, Mr. Padgett has represented thousands of clients and tried over 60 cases to verdict in state and federal courts. When wronged workers come to him, they benefit from his legal philosophy. Our attorney strives to leave each client in a better position than they were before they met him.
Workers who are exploited frequently feel powerless. It is natural to experience shame when you have had your tips or wages stolen or been forced to work overtime without pay. Mr. Padgett is here to turn these experiences into compelling stories, giving his clients a voice with which to persuade judges and jurors.
Protecting Houston
Every time Mr. Padgett and his clients expose another employer who is violating the law to take advantage of their employees, another threat to fair work is eliminated and his community is a little safer.
Inspiration From Youth
Mr. Padgett grew up in Bellaire, TX, just a block away from his grandparents’ home. As a child, he suffered a serious injury that could have led to him permanently losing the use of his right arm. Thankfully, he made a complete recovery. He now considers each day a miracle and a gift, and focuses his life on giving that gift back to others.
During high school, Mr. Padgett discovered that he wanted to be a trial lawyer. Two events were critical to this realization. The first was reading a book about the United States Supreme Court and becoming captivated by its influence on American society. The second event was joining his school's debate team.
Mr. Padgett continued to debate in college, discovering he possessed true talents in public speaking, argument, and persuasion. Practicing law was a natural extension that combined his passion for civil rights with the skills he acquired through years of formative debate.
Education
Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Bachelor of Arts in History (with honors)
Baylor University
Phi Alpha Delta International History Honors Society (President)
1986
Bar Admissions
Texas (1989)
U.S. District Court Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas
U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas
U.S. District Court Southern District/Bankruptcy Court of Texas
Away From the Office
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Mr. Padgett has been with his long-term girlfriend, Catherine, for over two decades. He loves spending time with his two sons, Tommy, who is studying to be a doctor, and Charlie, who is in the United States Navy. He also treasures his adorable house cat, Sammy. Mr. Padgett is a devoted reader of history, non-fiction, and science fiction. Mr. Padgett also loves games, playing everything from the ancient Chinese game of Go to modern computer games.
Mr. Padgett Helps Houston With Many Case Types
You can reach out to our proven attorney for help with any of the following wage theft and overtime issues. Our attorney has dedicated his career to defeating employers who exploit their workers, relentlessly pursuing justice for victims and their families.
- Tip Theft
- Wage Theft
- Unpaid Overtime
- Underpaid Overtime
- Salaried Workers’ Overtime
- Failure to Pay Minimum Wage
- Exempt or Non-exempt Employee?
- Current Issues in Wage and Hour Law
- Misclassification of Employees as Exempt
- Misclassification of Independent Contractors
A 5-Star Review From Houston
"Reached out to The Buenker Law Firm regarding an unpaid overtime case. Tom and Joe were extremely helpful in walking me through the whole process and handling communication with my former employer's counsel. There's a lot of variability when it comes to unpaid overtime cases, but they really went above and beyond to resolve it for me, and I was able to receive a monetary settlement in less than two months, which was an excellent result." Grace
