Thomas D. Rees

Thomas D. Rees is a seasoned labor and employment attorney who leads the Litigation, Employment Law, and Education Law practices at High Swartz LLP. He represents businesses, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions throughout Pennsylvania in complex legal disputes and compliance matters. His practice focuses on employment litigation, restrictive covenants, trade secrets, discrimination claims, and dispute resolution, as well as education law involving independent and public schools.

Mr. Rees earned his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and holds an A.B. in Political Science with Honors from Stanford University. His academic background provided a strong foundation in legal analysis, advocacy, and regulatory interpretation, which continues to guide his strategic approach to litigation and counseling. His formal education supports his ability to address sophisticated employment, education, and governance issues with clarity and precision.

Mr. Rees has handled high-stakes litigation and arbitration involving employment contracts, non-competition agreements, wrongful termination claims, and privacy matters throughout his legal career. He regularly advises employers on hiring, termination, policy development, and contract negotiation, helping organizations reduce risk and resolve disputes efficiently. His work often allows clients to avoid litigation through proactive planning and clear compliance strategies.

Mr. Rees, in the education law arena, represents independent schools in matters involving employment, student discipline, contracts, governance, and tax-exempt status. He has successfully defended schools against injunction actions, tax challenges, and regulatory disputes, protecting institutional operations and educational missions. He also serves as an employment arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association and is frequently called upon as an expert witness in employment-related matters.

Thomas D. Rees is widely recognized for his professional excellence, with longstanding peer recognition and leadership roles in bar associations and legal education programs. His practice reflects a consistent commitment to effective advocacy, practical legal solutions, and dependable counsel for employers and educational institutions facing complex legal challenges.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, High Swartz LLP
• Co-Chair, Montgomery Bar Association, Education Law Committee
• Past Chair & Co-Chair, Montgomery Bar Association, Employment Law Committee; Employment Law course planner & lecturer
• Past Chair, Montgomery Bar Association, Real Estate & Land Use Planning Committee
• Past Chair, Pennsylvania Bar Association, Municipal Law Section
• Member, Pennsylvania Bar Institute – Employment Law course planner & lecturer
• Member, American Arbitration Association, National Panel of Employment Arbitrators
• VP/General Counsel, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (1998-2011)

Licensed State

• Pennsylvania
• New York

Education

• University of Pennsylvania Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Stanford University
  AB in Major: Political Science

Awards & Badges