A lifelong Des Moines area resident, Tom graduated from North High School in 1972, Central College in Pella, Iowa in 1976 and Drake University Law School in 1979. Upon graduation from law school Tom became an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Des Moines until he started his private practice in the Des Moines area in 1981. In 2004, Tom, along with Mike Norris, formed the West Des Moines law firm of Slater Law, LLC.Â
Since starting private practice in 1981 Tom has devoted his professional life to obtaining meaningful compensation to victims of personal injury or wrongful death. For over 30 years he has primarily practiced in the area of medical and nursing home negligence and complex tort litigation. He is a member of the Iowa State Bar Association and the Iowa Association for Justice and is licensed to practice before all state district courts, state appellate courts and the Iowa federal courts. Tom has successfully litigated and tried cases statewide in both state and federal courts.
Tom is married to Julie, has four adult daughters and 7 grandchildren. He enjoys travelling with Julie and the family, exercise and is a 4th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Â
Practice Areas:
Personal Injury
Medical Malpractice
Nursing Home Malpractice
Education
Drake University Law School, Des Moines, Iowa
J.D. - 1979
Central College, Pella, Iowa
B.A. - 1976
Major: Philosophy/Psychology
Bar Admissions
Iowa, 1979
U.S. District Court Northern District of Iowa, 1979
U.S. District Court Southern District of Iowa, 1980
Past Positions
Meyer and Slater Law Firm, 1981 to 2001
City of Des Moines, Iowa, 1979 to 1981
Professional Associations
American Trial Lawyers Association
Iowa Trial Lawyers Association, Sustaining Member
Iowa State Bar Association, Litigation and Worker's Compensation Section, Member
Classes & Seminars
Guest Lecturer, Medical Care Law, Des Moines University, 2003 to 2003
Guest Lecturer, Informed Consent, Midwest University, 2003 to 2003
Guest Lecturer, Informed Consent, Des Moines University, 2004 to 2004
Guest Lecturer, Medical Ethics, Des Moines University, 2004 to 2004
Guest Lecturer, Landmark Legal Cases, Des Moines University, 2004 to 2004
