"The Oakes Firm is a premier boutique law firm servicing clients who have
been catastrophically injured or killed due to the fault of another."
Our Mission
The Oakes Firm embodies two main principles - providing the best personal injury legal representation possible while fostering unparalleled client relations. Of course, everyone wants an excellent lawyer. We, along with a select group of firms, deliver that. But what sets us apart is the relationships we develop with our clients. In fact, we left the "big firm" culture to do just that.
At The Oakes Firm, we know who you are. We know your name. We become like family. You are not just a number to us. Many firms are juggling so many cases, the lawyer handling your case is not who you originally spoke with. And you are left in the dark as your case progresses - or stalls. Here, we keep in constant contact with our clients throughout the entire case and even afterwards. We bring an unrivaled level of expertise and attention to every client – because the only case that matters is Yours.
A law firm is only as strong as its network. The Oakes Firm prides itself in this regard. We have built connections throughout the country with other award-winning law firms, judges, experts, and various legal service providers. And our clients reap the benefits of these relationships.
The Oakes Firm's commitment to our clients is above reproach. Our sole focus is ensuring you receive the best possible result, even if we make less money. And that means, for certain cases, we partner with other law firms to pursue your claims. Importantly, the total attorney fee does not change. In other words, you receive the benefit of two law firms without any additional expense.
The Oakes Firm is your free legal liaison. If you ever have a legal issue, regardless of what it is, you should come to us first. We will provide you with an unbiased consultation because we succeed only when you do.
Our Network
Our Approach
1
Pre-Lawsuit Investigation
Defendants are at a disadvantage because we know you will be filing a lawsuit before they do - it is essential to leverage that knowledge. We conduct a thorough pre-lawsuit investigation. This includes preserving time-sensitive evidence and securing critical documents, a detailed analysis of (potential) defendants, and ensuring you are receiving the best medical treatment. This proactive approach allows us to hit the ground running once your lawsuit is filed.
2
Aggressive Litigation
After your lawsuit is filed, The Oakes Firm engages in aggressive litigation to provide the best possible outcome. This includes exhaustive discovery - securing company records, taking depositions, retaining liability and damages experts, and (when necessary) motion practice. By approaching every case as if we are going to trial, we ensure the best likelihood of a favorable settlement. And of course, we are then prepared for trial should the defendants not meet your demands.
3
Constant Contact
Beyond superb legal representation, The Oakes Firm understands you are unlikely familiar with litigation. We pride ourselves in maintaining constant contact with our clients, guiding them through the process and keeping them apprised as their case progresses. This gives you peace of mind that we are diligently working on your case so you can focus on recovery. And as our relationship develops, we become more than just your attorneys - we become like family.
Our Founder
Thomas G. Oakes II
Personal Profile
Thomas G. Oakes II is the founder of The Oakes Firm, a national trial firm that primarily serves the Greater Philadelphia Area (including New Jersey). A seventh generation Philadelphian, Mr. Oakes genuinely cares about the legal issues that affect the members of his community, and he devotes his practice to protecting the rights and interests of those who suffered an injury or loss as the result of a preventable accident or unsafe product.
After graduating with honors from Drexel University, Mr. Oakes attended Villanova University School of Law where he was a Dean's Merit Scholar and served as class representative for all three years of law school. While engaged in his law practice, he returned to his alma mater and earned his Master of Business Administration from Villanova's School of Business. For a decade, he served on the adjunct legal faculty at Temple University Beasley School of Law's LLM in Trial Advocacy, educating aspiring trial advocates on the effective use of courtroom technology.
Mr. Oakes is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, which includes the Supreme Courts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania and the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern District and Middle District of Pennsylvania. He also has a national practice, and has been admitted pro hac vice in Arizona, Arkansas, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia. A consummate professional, he maintains active memberships with the American Association for Justice, Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association, the Philadelphia Bar Association, and the Pennsylvania Association for Justice. He also supports his local community through his selfless involvement with various civic and charitable organizations.
Mr. Oakes represents plaintiffs in varied personal injury and wrongful death claims, maintaining a particular focus on matters involving unsafe/ defective products, auto accidents, roadside safety design, construction injuries, and workplace accidents. A highly rated trial attorney, Mr. Oakes has secured countless millions of dollars in settlements and awards on behalf of his clients. For years 2018-2023, he was selected by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star, an honor bestowed upon only 2.5% of all eligible lawyers. For years 2019-2023, Mr. Oakes was recognized as a “Top 10 Under 40” in Pennsylvania by the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys. And in 2023, he was recognized by The National Trial Lawyers as a “Top 40 Under 40” nationwide.
A "Rising Star" - Super Lawyers
"Top 40 Under 40" in America - National Trial Lawyers
A Perfect "10.0 Rating" - Avvo
"Top 10 Under 40" in Pennsylvania -
National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys
What is Super Lawyers?
Super Lawyers is a highly selective rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained an exceptional degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The patented selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations.
The Selection Process
Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a patented multiphase selection process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with independent research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Selections are made on an annual, state-by-state basis. The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive directory of outstanding attorneys. This can be used as a resource for people searching for qualified and capable legal counsel to represent them.
