Thomas Geoghegan
Thomas Geoghegan
Thomas Geoghegan is an esteemed labor attorney and political commentator, contributing his insights to several prestigious periodicals like New Republic and Dissent.
He writes with honesty, sarcasm, and wit in mind – keeping his work from becoming outdated or irrelevant.
He is a strong proponent for workers’ rights. Additionally, he is the author of multiple books.
Early Life and Education
Thomas Geoghegan was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a lawyer and author of numerous books including National Book Critics Circle Award finalist Which Side Are You On?, In America’s Court: How a Civil Lawyer Who Likes to Settle Stumbled into Criminal Trial, See You in Court: How the Right Made America a Lawsuit Nation and Were You Born on the Wrong Continent he also regularly contributes his expertise and writes for both The New York Times and The Nation.
He practices law at Despres, Schwartz & Geoghegan in Chicago. As a commentator he has appeared on local and national radio and TV shows such as National Public Radio, Nightline, The Today Show and CBS Sunday Morning as well as contributing regularly to The New Republic magazine.
Professional Career
Thomas Geoghegan has been practicing labor law since 1975, representing steelworkers deprived of pensions, Teamsters seeking union democracy, as well as public interest cases to enforce child labor laws or require citywide measures against tuberculosis among the poor. Based out of Chicago, Despres, Schwartz & Geoghegan Ltd provides him with legal support in employment and labor matters for their clients.
Geoghegan has enjoyed tremendous success as an attorney, yet remains dedicated to engaging more people in politics and understanding its history. He ran for Congress in 2009 but lost, but learned much about politics from that experience. His writings and commentary have appeared in Chicago Tribune, The Nation, New York Times and Dissent publications.
Achievement and Honors
Thomas Geoghegan has earned numerous honors and awards for his academic and research efforts at John Cabot University, making him an inspiration to fellow students at John Cabot. Both University President Franco Pavoncello and Vice President Mary Merva have recognized Thomas Geoghegan for his efforts.
Geoghegan College’s other awards and honors include: Myron Fuller Award is given to an exceptional graduating geology student; Oliver A. Schaeffer Award recognizes those students who best combine academic performance and participation with departmental activities; the Davidson Family Scholarship goes to political science students planning on going onto law school; as well as Michael Gramer Honors Thesis Award.
He has written multiple books and articles, such as his award-nominated title “The Labor Movement in America”. The paperback version includes an afterword covering labor history from 1900s forward.
Personal Life
Tom Geoghegan was an esteemed political commentator during his lifetime. Often featured on national broadcast programs like NPR’s All Things Considered, The Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning and CNN/CNBC; local news organizations would frequently quote him.
Atkins also wrote several books, such as National Book Critics Circle Award finalist Which Side Are You On? Trying to Be for Labor When It’s Flat on Its Back; The Secret Lives of Citizens: Pursuing the Promise of American Life; In America’s Court: How a Civil Lawyer Who Likes to Settle Stumbled into a Criminal Trial and See You in Court: How the Right Made America a Lawsuit Nation.
Tom Geoghegan will be greatly missed by his wife Linda Wood Geoghegan, son Sean Geoghegan and daughter Katherine (Geoghegan) Sousa as well as four grandchildren who knew and loved him. We offer our sincerest condolences to Linda, Sean, Katherine (Geoghegan) Sousa and our four grandkids during this difficult time. We shall all remember him fondly!
Net Worth
Thomas Geoghegan reportedly boasts an estimated net worth of $16 Million. A labor lawyer by profession and author of Only One Thing Can Save Us: Why America Needs a New Kind of Labor Movement (The New Press), Thomas works at Despres Schwartz and Geoghegan Ltd in Chicago where he specializes in union representation.
Mr. Smith has contributed freelance pieces for The New Republic as well as The Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Nation, Dissent Magazine, American Prospect magazine and Harper’s Magazine among others.
In The Law in Shambles, he offers an unbridled polemic against what has happened to the American legal system. While it has an obvious left and labour lean, its message remains broad and insightful – perfect for lively bar conversations!
