Thomas Cooke

Thomas Cooke’s practice focuses exclusively on eminent domain law, where he helps landowners maximize recoveries and protects their interests when they are threatened with a governmental acquisition of private property. Tom’s background includes both trial preparation and courtroom success – drafting and arguing critical motions in court, taking and defending depositions, and winning objection battles at trial on behalf of clients. At his prior firm, he successfully defeated dispositive motions in a $42 million trespass case. Since joining McFarland, Tom has helped dozens of landowners maximize recovery and protect their interests. He regularly works directly with clients, expert witnesses, and opposing counsel to achieve favorable settlements when possible and secure jury verdicts at trial when necessary. Prior to entering private practice, Tom served for two years as the clerk for the Hon. Sim Lake with the U.S. Federal District Courts, Southern District of Texas. Awards and Honors Honors Selected for inclusion in Texas Super Lawyers “Rising Stars,” 2026

• Attorney

• Trial attorney, Ahmad, Zavitsanos & Mensing PLLC, September 2022 – September 2025
• Judicial Law Clerk for the Hon. Sim Lake, U.S. Federal District Courts, Southern District of Texas, September 2020 – May 2022

• Texas, 2021