Carpenter, Thomas T., Esq., former Captain, U.S. Marine Corps (1970-1980)

A distinguished military graduate of the class of 1970 of the U.S. Naval Academy, Tom Carpenter received a regular commission in the United States Marine Corps. After completing infantry training at The Basic School in 1971, he was assigned to the Naval Aviation Training Command and later designated a Naval Aviator. While on active duty he accumulated over 2500 hours in the A-4 Skyhawk. Carpenter resigned his commission in 1976, at the rank of Captain and later joined the Marine Reserves. From 1978 through 1983, Tom was a pilot for Continental Airlines, flying the Boeing 727.

While flying for Continental Tom attended Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco. Graduating in 1980, he moved to Los Angeles where he joined the firm of Kern and Wooley. In 1986 he made a lateral move and became a member of Bronson, Bronson and McKinnon, LLP. At Bronson he was a member of the Los Angeles office management committee and headed the Products Liability Group. He has been lead counsel on numerous civil jury trials representing both defendants and plaintiffs.

After twenty-five years of practice, in 2005, Carpenter retired as a partner from the law firm of Shaw, Terhar and La Montagne, LLP where he was a trial lawyer specializing in Aviation litigation, products liability, entertainment and commercial litigation. He is a member of the Bars of Alaska, California and Colorado, and a Judge Pro Tem of the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Tom has served on the board of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network since 1995. He was co-chair of the board from 1998 through 2005.

In retirement, Tom, who is also a real estate broker, spends his time helping his partner of 15 years, Art Andrade, develop his real estate business. He is also involved in several film projects, is writing his memoirs, travels widely and continues to be active in the work of SLDN.