Jordan A. Thomas

Jordan A. Thomas is an American attorney, writer, speaker and media commentator on securities enforcement, corporate ethics, and whistleblower issues. He is a partner and Chair of the Whistleblower Representation Practice at Labaton Sucharow LLP (2011–present), where he represents whistleblowers reporting violations of the federal securities laws to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Prior to entering private practice, Thomas served as an Assistant Director and Assistant Chief Litigation Counsel in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement (2003–2011) and as a Trial Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice (1999–2003). He began his legal career as a Judge Advocate General in the U.S. Navy (1995–1999). In 2013, Thomas was elected to the board of the City Bar Fund, which oversees the City Bar Justice Center, the pro bono affiliate of the New York City Bar Association.

Work at the SEC

While at the SEC, Thomas played a leadership role in the development of the SEC Whistleblower Program, established under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Thomas also developed, and served as the first National Coordinator of, the SEC’s Cooperation Program, designed to encourage individuals and companies to self-report violations of the federal securities laws and to participate in the SEC’s investigations and enforcement actions.

During his tenure at the SEC, Thomas also worked on several high-profile cases, including those involving Enron, Fannie Mae, UBS and Citigroup. Together, the matters that Thomas investigated, litigated and supervised resulted in over $35 billion in monetary relief for harmed investors.

Awards and Recognition

In both 2013 and 2012, the Ethisphere Institute named Thomas to its listing of “Attorneys Who Matter,” which recognizes leading practitioners in the world of corporate ethics and compliance.

In 2012, Thomas was named to the “Power 100” (2013), an annual list of the nation’s most influential black attorneys published by On Being a Black Lawyer (OBABL).

In 2012, Thomas was awarded the “Restore Integrity” award from POPULAR (“Power Over Poverty Under Laws of America Restored”), a national legal reform organization.

In 2012, Thomas was named a “Legal Rebel” by the American Bar Association Journal.

While at the SEC, Thomas received four Chairman’s Awards, four Division Director’s Awards and a Letter of Commendation from the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia.

Thomas was twice awarded the Rear Admiral Hugh H. Howell Award of Excellence—the highest award the Navy can bestow upon a reserve judge advocate.

Education

Thomas received his B.A. from Bennington College and his J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law.