Oliver Thoma

What are you doing now?

I am a lawyer at King & Spalding LLP where I represent companies in the life sciences, healthcare, and energy sectors in high-profile, complex, and mass tort litigation. Although I went into law school thinking I would become a corporate lawyer working on mergers and acquisitions, I fell in love with litigation because it gave me the opportunity to stand on my feet and be an advocate (my family says I could debate with a brick wall). Having the opportunity to advocate for a client or cause in our judicial system is a unique privilege that is rewarding, not least because of the hard work that is required to be an effective advocate. My current work has focused on products liability litigation for prescription drugs and medical devices as well as climate change litigation. I enjoy the challenge of diving into complex scientific and medical issues to find ways to distill those issues into ordinary language and stories that anyone can understand.

How has the Fellowship impacted your career?

The Fellowship was one of the most influential experiences of my university education because it gave me a front row seat to our nation’s leaders—whether elected officials, policy experts, or military leaders—and inspired me to find a way to serve my country. Dr. Abshire in particular was an inspiring voice who encouraged the Fellows to find a way to serve others regardless of the profession we chose. I chose to become a lawyer because, in part, I wanted the training and platform to be an advocate for causes and people that would make the United States a more secure, prosperous country for all Americans.

What is your favorite memory of the Fellowship?

I still remember flying into Reagan National Airport 2 days after the Tea Party Wave of 2010 for the fall conference; it was an auspicious start to the Fall conference. The Fall and Spring conferences had an amazing line up of speakers, and I made two close friends, Travis Christy and Thomas Chandler, who I still keep in contact with today. But hearing Dr. Abshire share his wisdom and experience on leadership was definitely the highlight of the Fellowship for me.

If you could have any job in the world, what would you do?

While a student at Texas A&M University, I would often visit President George H.W. Bush’s library, which was conveniently located next to the political science department. I am a big fan of President George H.W. Bush and his partnership with close friend and adviser James Baker. It would be an honor to serve my country in any of the roles that these great men held, but I think being chief of staff to the President would be my pick right now.

Originally published November 16, 2020.