SEPT. 7, 2022 – Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is significantly expanding its capacity to advise charitable foundations, nonprofit healthcare organizations, and other tax-exempt clients with the addition of Thomas C. Schroeder, who brings to the firm more than 15 years' experience representing high-profile national institutions, both in-house and in private practice.
Schroeder comes to Davis Wright from the Office of the General Counsel at the University of California, where he served for almost a decade, advising on nonprofit organization and charitable giving matters. Previously he worked in-house at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, a $13+ billion private foundation. Schroeder launched his legal career as an associate in Davis Wright's highly-regarded Tax-Exempt Organizations (TEO) practice group, to which he now returns as a partner in Seattle.
"Tom will be an extraordinary asset to our clients and I'm thrilled to welcome him back," said LaVerne Woods, who is chair of the group. "His energy, talent, and exceptional client service ethic were apparent from early on. With the expertise and relationships he has built while serving in-house at two premiere organizations, he is the perfect catalyst for further growth in our dynamic TEO practice on the West Coast and beyond."
Said Schroeder: "This is a once-in-a-career opportunity to join a preeminent firm with a remarkable culture of collaboration and extraordinary potential for growth. I have kept in close touch with my Davis Wright colleagues over the years and engaged them on many matters, including on health law issues and innovation activities. I know their tireless commitment to helping nonprofits fulfil their missions and achieve their strategic goals. LaVerne and her team do it with grace, creativity, and the highest standards of excellence. It's a privilege to be able to rejoin the TEO group and Davis Wright in order to support the clients they represent."
"Tom is a rare find," said Adam Romney, co-chair of the healthcare practice at Davis Wright. "His expertise is closely aligned with ours, while also presenting opportunities to diversify the clients and industries we serve. His experience advising the UC system, including its five academic medical centers, will enable him to work seamlessly with our healthcare practice to foster growth. Our clients will also benefit from his strategic advice on significant M&A transactions that involve TEO issues, including those requiring approvals from the California attorney general and other state officials."
Schroeder graduated from Bowdoin College, summa cum laude, with an A.B. in Art History and English. He later got his J.D., with honors, from the University of Washington School of Law. Prior to commencing his legal career, he worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, earned an M.A. in Art History from the Courtauld Institute of Art, and worked in project management for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
Schroeder noted that he is excited to contribute to Davis Wright's DEI efforts. "As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I've been deeply impressed with Davis Wright's commitment to DEI and to social impact causes generally," he said. "It's real, it suffuses the firm, and it came through loud and clear to me as a client. I am eager to be a part of this culture of inclusion."
About Davis Wright Tremaine
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is an AmLaw 100 law firm with approximately 600 lawyers representing clients based throughout the United States and around the world. For more information, visit www.dwt.com.