Thomas Stewart

Partner, Gallagher & Kosner Law, LLC

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Thomas is a trial attorney whose practice focuses on representing children and families in cases involving social service negligence, including claims against the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and its private contractors. He has quickly established himself as a leading advocate in this complex and highly specialized area of litigation, handling cases involving abuse, neglect, and systemic institutional failures.

Thomas’s record of success includes a series of significant recoveries in complex, high-stakes matters. He has secured a $43 million jury verdict in a medical malpractice case and a $12 million verdict in a social services negligence case, along with numerous multi-million-dollar settlements in cases involving abuse, neglect, and institutional misconduct. His settlement recoveries include $35 million, $8.6 million, $6.46 million, $6 million, and $4 million resolutions in social services negligence matters, along with additional seven-figure recoveries. In total, Thomas has helped secure more than $50 million in jury verdicts and substantial additional settlements.

Thomas’s practice is distinguished not only by the scale of his results, but also by his focus on cases that drive meaningful change. He regularly handles matters involving vulnerable children and families and is committed to holding public agencies and private contractors accountable for failures within the foster care system. His work has contributed to outcomes that not only compensate his clients, but also promote safer practices and stronger protections for those at risk.

Beyond trial work, Thomas has successfully litigated appeals in both state and federal courts. He has authored appellate briefs and argued matters that have helped shape the legal landscape governing claims against social service agencies, further strengthening protections for foster children and their families.

Thomas earned his J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law, graduating magna cum laude and earning admission to the Order of the Coif. While in law school, he was a member of the Chicago-Kent Law Review. He received his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University.

Results

• $43,000,000 verdict in a medical malpractice case
• $12,000,000 verdict in a social services case
• $830,000 verdict in a personal injury case
• $500,000 verdict in a medical malpractice case

• $35,000,000 settlement in a social services negligence case
• $8,600,000 settlement in a social services negligence case
• $6,460,000 settlement in a social services negligence case
• $6,000,000 settlement in a social services negligence case
• $3,000,000 settlement in a social services negligence case
• $4,000,000 settlement in a social services negligence case
• $1,750,000 settlement in social services negligence