Thomas Agawa

Senior Counsel

Thomas K. Agawa is Senior Counsel in Klinedinst’s Sacramento office. Mr. Agawa has over 26 years of extensive experience in civil litigation and jury trials. As a former deputy public defender in Tulare County, he was lead counsel in 20 jury trials and managed over 300 felony cases.

Prior to becoming a public defender, Mr. Agawa accumulated a wealth of experience in civil litigation through firms as well as his own practice which focused on hospitality clients and real estate investors. He has conducted over 50 arbitrations and over 100 depositions. He obtained a $3.52 million jury verdict on behalf of an investor client and then recovered over 90% of the judgment through aggressive collection proceedings. He has worked as associate general counsel and mortgage banking risk manager for banks, advising executives on operational, compliance and risk management issues. As an attorney at Barrett Daffin Frappier Treder & Weiss he represented major banks, securities holders and foreclosure trustees throughout California prevailing in over 50 dismissals in State and Federal courts.

A graduate of Loyola Law School of Los Angeles, Mr. Agawa also holds an A.B. from the University of California at Berkeley in fine arts. He is committed to excellence both in and out of the courtroom, with a dedication to client communication and trial advocacy.

Mr. Agawa attained the rank of Eagle Scout, symbolizing his commitment to service and leadership. He remains active in the legal community, continuously seeking opportunities for growth and success for his clients.

Education