Mission Statement

​​My mission is to become the hard working and giving person who has strong determination to better the lives of others that I feel like I was always destined to be. It is my hope that I will gain vision in a field that is blind: Justice. Then go on to use this experience to benefit those who are victims of horrific crimes by others or the system

Quote

"If it's both terrifying and amazing then you should definitely pursue it" 

Why Criminal Law?

As a topic of study of this year I am interested in criminal law. Specifically, I would like to learn more about criminal defense. From a young age I have always had an interest the legal profession in general and growing up I found that the criminal justice system is what excites me the most. Through my research I would like to focus more on how casework and legal practices are implemented and through my experiences with qualified professionals I would like to gain more knowledge about trials. ​

What is Criminal Law?

Criminal law is the body of law that relates to crime. It proscribes conduct perceived as threatening, harmful, or otherwise endangering to the property, health, safety, and moral welfare of people. In my mentor visits we evaluate the different aspects of what can be perceived of a crime and how a case can be formulated to the defendants advantage. Though it is my belief that the United States has the best justice system in the world it, just like the people who face it, is not perfect. Through my study of criminal law I have been able to examine the differences and similarities in prosecution and defense. I have also learned much about the roles plea deals and appeals play in obtaining or repealing a verdict.

About Me

Since the moment I could talk I argued with people about literally anything. Nearly every person who has met me, within a good ten minutes of knowing me, would say something along the line of “you seem like a lawyer”. For as long as I can remember anytime I saw any visual-such as a billboard, a commercial, a video or a show involving lawyers I’ve been intrigued by it. Things I do for fun include looking up random criminal trials and watching shows that involve criminal lawyers. Now after taking a variety of classes such as debate, law I, AP seminar, AP US history and court systems I can conclude that I thoroughly enjoy english and history-which are two major factors of law- and those are the classes I perform best in. Unlike some other classes I have always come into these classes excited and ready to learn about what’s next. This how I know I belong in this field and that there no career better suited for me.  

Mentorship

Mr. Thomas "Tommy" Perkins

Thomas “Tommy” Perkins joined McCathern in 2016. Previously, Mr. Perkins worked for the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office and the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. He handles crimes such as DWI/DUI Offenses, Drug Offenses, Assault and Battery Offenses, Theft and Robbery Offenses, Weapons Offenses and more. Tommy received his law degree from the Marquette University School of Law in 2013. While in law school, Tommy served on the Mock Trial Team and was also a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity and the Criminal Law Society. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Law, Jurisprudence, and Social Thought from Amherst College in 2010. Tommy is a member of the Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyer Organization and was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 2013.