Thomas William Lyons III

Thomas William Lyons III is a highly skilled attorney focusing on products liability defense, asbestos defense, commercial litigation, employment law, and constitutional law. With decades of experience, he has successfully represented businesses and corporations in complex litigation, including jury trials in both state and federal courts. His appellate work includes arguing cases before the First Circuit and the Rhode Island Supreme Court.

Thomas earned his Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 1983. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Colgate University, earned in 1979. Licensed in Rhode Island since 1983 and Massachusetts since 1996, he is also admitted to the U.S. District Courts for Rhode Island and Massachusetts and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. His strong academic background and extensive litigation experience make him a trusted advocate in high-stakes legal matters.

Thomas is an experienced trial lawyer who defends companies in high-stakes product liability and toxic tort litigation, including representing major corporations such as Viacom, CBS Corporation, and Verizon. He also advises and defends clients in complex business disputes, employment litigation, and civil rights cases. Consistently recognized for his legal skill and professionalism, Thomas has been selected as a Rhode Island Super Lawyer in product liability defense and holds an AV-Preeminent rating from judges and peers, the highest possible rating for ethical standards and legal ability.

Beyond his legal practice, Thomas has been deeply involved in professional organizations, serving as president of both the Rhode Island Bar Association and the New England Bar Association. He has contributed extensively to legal scholarship, co-authoring the Rhode Island chapter of the Defense Research Institute’s Products Liability Defenses and publishing numerous articles in the Rhode Island Bar Journal.

Through strategic advocacy, leadership in the legal community, and dedication to legal scholarship, Thomas continues to provide exceptional representation for clients facing complex litigation challenges.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Strauss, Factor, Laing & Lyons
• Member, Rhode Island Bar Association

Licensed State

• Rhode Island
• Massachusetts

Education

• Case Western Reserve University Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Colgate University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges