Carol Thompson loves a courtroom. As a former United States Marine and current deputy managing partner with the D.C.-based Federal Practice Group, she represents servicemembers from all branches and ranks – active duty, reservists, veterans, and guard units – to federal employees.
Her favorite part of the job? Arguing oral cases in front of a jury.
Thompson (J.D. ’08) traces her courtroom prowess to her time at The University of Tulsa’s College of Law, specifically her participation on the school’s Phillip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition team.
“Being a part of the organization and participating in the moot court competitions were the highlights of my time at TU,” says Thompson. “I thoroughly enjoyed my teammates, and our coach, Professor Marc Roark. The competition helped me hone my oral advocacy skills that have served me throughout my career.”
Her military and legal career is expansive, attaining the rank of major in the Marine Corps and serving as a judge advocate, she worked as a defense counsel, where she had to represent Marines in court her first week on the job, and then as a prosecutor and a special assistant U.S. attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Thompson joined her current firm, the Federal Practice Group, in 2014 after transitioning from active duty. The Federal Practice Group specializes in areas concerning federal law, representing military members, government workers, and government contractors. Thompson routinely appears before the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, as well as U.S. District Courts, U.S. Court of Appeals and the Courts of Criminal Appeals for the various military branches. Her outstanding record earned her recognition by Super Lawyers in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
“The legal field is an excellent career choice for veterans seeking to serve their community outside of the military,” said Oren Griffin, dean of the College of Law. “Carol is a shining example of how student-veterans can make the most of their vast experience and launch a new career that still feels familiar and meaningful.”
Thompson knew she wanted to serve in the military from an early age. “My grandparents served, and I knew I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself, something full of tradition and camaraderie,” she said.
Thompson came to Tulsa after graduating from Texas A&M and her commission from the Marines. She chose The University of Tulsa because she loved the size and the feel of the university. “I felt like I was part of a family, as opposed to a number in a program.”