Thomas Dukes

Tom Dukes is an active member of The Florida Bar and U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, practicing civil litigation primarily focused on medical malpractice defense.

He also teaches counseling and graduate-level courses in Rhode Island College’s Department of Counseling, Education Leadership and School Psychology, giving professional presentations locally, nationally and internationally.

Early Life and Education

Thomas was raised in rural Georgia with little money, working tirelessly to support his family. From an early age he took an interest in reading and writing, becoming inspired by his father to pursue higher education in order to serve others.

He is known for his calm, unassuming demeanor during oral arguments and has earned a reputation as a fiercely conservative jurist, often challenging or surpassing Scalia’s brand of originalism. Over time however, his views on certain issues have changed considerably.

In 2016, he was honored to join the American College of Trial Lawyers – an honorary society comprised of exceptional trial lawyers from across the country who have demonstrated superior skill and integrity as advocates. Furthermore, he serves as an integral member of his local community, giving back and helping those most in need.

Professional Career

Professor Dukes is an outstanding teacher. His papers are easy to follow and his grading system transparent, making the class enjoyable and engaging for his students.

He was a member of the Florida Defense Lawyers Association and served on its Board. Martindale-Hubbell awarded him its highest AV rating and made him a Fellow of The American Bar Foundation.

Thomas Dukes, affectionately known by family and friends as Uncle Duke”, “Pluke”, and “Tommy”, passed from this life on September 27, 2013. Preceded in death by both of his parents as well as Hattie Mae Dukes (his wife), he leaves behind several siblings including George Foy (Irene); sisters Doris Dukes Kello and Ethel Mae Riddick as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews grandnieces/grandnephews/family and friends to remember him fondly.

Achievement and Honors

Thomas Dukes boasts a distinguished resume. He earned two All-American selections and NCAA Division II Player of the Year honors; additionally, his professional baseball career saw numerous honors awarded to him.

He currently volunteers his services as the volunteer coach of Johnsburg High School’s boys basketball team, having been an active part of their community for years.

Erika has demonstrated that with careful planning and commitment, the Dukes Award load can fit easily with other priorities – even admissions interviewers have commented on Erika’s Gold Dukes status! We are all immensely proud of your achievement Erika – keep going! The University of Akron Department of English Scholarship was established in 2000 to commemorate Dr. Dukes and empower students toward reaching their educational goals.

Personal Life

Thomas Dukes, commonly referred to by family and friends as Pluke or Tommy, died peacefully at age 72 on September 27th in Harrisonburg Virginia. He is predeceased by both of his parents as well as Hattie Mae who died prior to him. Survivors include sister Doris Dukes Kello as well as many nieces and nephews. Thomas was an active member of Faith Community Church in Harrisonburg Virginia.

Thomas was an enthusiastic hunter and sportsman who took great pleasure in playing guitar. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and being involved with his community.

Thomas Dukes can be found listed in the 1840 census at Arthur’s Vale in Queenborough on Norfolk Island; it is possible that he married Ann. Frederick Syphrett is listed in an 1818 plat and state grant on Peter Wood’s Branch of Edisto River which borders Reich Edwards, Jas Grimes, Dan’l Syfrett Joseph Edwards and Michael Dukes as neighbors.

Net Worth

Thomas Duke Company is a trusted commercial real estate firm in Metro-Detroit that lists, sells, leases and manages multi-family, industrial and commercial properties. They serve as trusted partners to any client with commercial real estate needs in this region.

The company provides high-speed fiber and wireless services from 123NET that help them lower monthly IT spending while offering superior tenant services, leading to greater property values and rentabilities.

Dukes previously held a first vice presidency position at Morgan Stanley in Pasadena, California for five years according to his BrokerCheck profile. He began his brokerage career at Crowell Weedon & Co as an equity trader before spending 12 years with Merrill Lynch/PaineWebber before making the leap into Morgan in 2004 according to BrokerCheck.