McKool Smith is saddened by the passing of former Principal Tom Graves on October 27, 2026. Tom practiced in the firm's Dallas office from 2004 until his retirement in 2015.
A native of Eunice, New Mexico, Tom graduated from New Mexico State University and earned his law degree *magna cum laude* from SMU School of Law in 1978. He clerked for U.S. District Judge Robert M. Hill in the Northern District of Texas. He also taught Texas civil procedure as an adjunct professor at SMU and for years co-authored the annual survey of Texas civil procedure for the *SMU Law Review*.
Tom focused on commercial litigation and tried cases across a wide range of disputes. His contributions helped secure a defense verdict for Alamo Group and Bush Hog in a patent case brought by Deere & Company, a jury verdict for more than 170 Texas cities against online travel companies, and a class verdict for royalty owners against BP. He also represented the State of New Mexico, Snelling & Snelling and PNM in significant matters.
Tom is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carrie; his daughter, Katie; his son, Sam; and his grandson, Alex.
Our thoughts are with Tom's family and friends.
