In Memory of Thom Brown
Thomas W. Brown passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. Thom earned his bachelor’s degree in radio/television/film from the University of Texas in 1974 and his law degree from the night school program at Northwestern School of Law, Lewis & Clark College, in 1980. Thom then served as a clerk to Judge William L. Richardson of the Oregon Court of Appeals before joining Cosgrave Vergeer Kester in 1981, where he remained an integral part of the firm until his passing some 43 years later. Thom served as Cosgrave’s managing partner for 16 of those years, overseeing sustained and consistent firm success.
Thom was also a preeminent appellate lawyer. Along with recognitions and awards too numerous to list, Thom was selected as a fellow in the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers in 2000 and as a fellow in the Honorary Trial Society of Litigation Counsel of America in 2008. On appointment by the Oregon Supreme Court, Thom served monthly as a pro tem judge in Multnomah County Circuit Court for more than 13 years.
Throughout Thom’s career, he was highly involved in many professional organizations. He was a member of the Board of Directors of ALFA International. He was closely involved with the Civics Learning Project (fka Classroom Law Project), including serving one term as Chair of the Board of Directors, a board on which he served for 17 years. Thom was extensively involved in the Multnomah Bar Association (MBA) and served as the MBA President for the 2007-2008 term. In 2013, Thom was honored with the MBA Professionalism Award, which recognizes an attorney who exhibits the “highest ethical standards and exemplary conduct in the practice of law.”
Thom was one of a kind. He was a gifted speaker with a sharp and insightful sense of humor, that no matter how biting, always yielded to genuine warmth, kindness, and humility. He was a mentor to generations of Cosgrave lawyers and others, and a true friend to all who knew him. Thom will be dearly missed.
