Thomas M. Valega, Jr. was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey and grew up in the Washington, D.C. area. Thomas graduated from Georgetown University 's School of Foreign Service with a B.S. degree in Foreign Service in 1983. After working in politics in Washington D.C., including service in the White House for George H.W. Bush, he attended the University of Houston Law Center, graduating and receiving his J.D. in 1993.

Tom was an associate editor of the Houston Journal of International Law. He is admitted to practice before all Texas state courts, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, and the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. He practices in the Firm’s litigation section, including construction, corporate, contract, maritime, real estate, and general civil litigation.