Levi Thomas

PARTNER

levi@ch-llp.com | LinkedIn | 817.415.2034

Levi Thomas is a former federal prosecutor with thirteen years of experience leading complex investigations and high-stakes litigation at the trial and appellate levels. He is a discerning counselor who guides clients through challenging situations by uncovering the truth and charting a clear path forward

Widely regarded as a skilled investigator, Levi has extensive experience in complex and high-stakes matters. He has led hundreds of investigations into criminal activity and regulatory violations, bringing a depth of expertise from over six years with the U.S. Department of Justice and three years with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Leveraging his comprehensive understanding of the tactics and methods of government investigators and prosecutors, Levi provides sophisticated corporate and white-collar defense strategies, prioritizing the resolution of matters before the filing of formal charges. He is adept at guiding clients in responding to grand jury subpoenas, search warrants, target letters, and other government inquiries, and preparing witnesses for every stage of the investigative and litigation process.

A seasoned and unshakeable litigator, Levi has tried numerous jury and bench trials to verdict in federal district court and handled multiple appeals in federal circuit court. Prior to joining Castañeda + Heidelman, he served as a federal prosecutor in the Fort Worth office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, where he investigated and prosecuted over 450 criminal cases. He previously served as counsel with the Department of Homeland Security, where he supervised investigations, advised management, and litigated national security and immigration matters. An adept legal writer and appellate advocate, Levi began his legal career as a clerk for Judge Catharina Haynes of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and Judge Zack Hawthorn of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

Levi also leverages his experience to provide employment and outside general counsel services to businesses and non-profits, helping organizations thrive through the proactive implementation of best practices and organizational controls.

In addition to his practice, Levi serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Texas A&M University School of Law, where he teaches White Collar Crime and Criminal Sentencing. A graduate of New York University School of Law, Levi distinguished himself as a Senior Executive Editor of the Law Review and a Fellow of the Center on the Administration of Criminal Law. Prior to his legal career, he obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Texas A&M University, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets, Ross Volunteers, and Mays Business Fellows.

Levi’s wife and three kids are his pride and joy. Together, they are passionate about camping, hiking, fishing, and exploring our national parks and public lands. He serves as a Deacon at Midlothian Bible Church, where he is devoted to mentoring students and fostering authentic community.

  • Led investigation on behalf of female students of faith based University related to Title IX and sexual harassment on campus by male student.

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    Investigated allegations of sexual misconduct by employee of faith based NGO in Latin America.

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    Investigated Title IX allegations against basketball coach by female students at faith based University.

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    Investigated racial and gender discrimination and harassment for a consumer products company with interviews in Chicago, San Diego, and Los Angeles.

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    Conducted investigation of racial harassment for a large restaurant chain in California.

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    Led and investigated sexual misconduct investigation related to a faith based international NGO with interviews throughout the United States and abroad.

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    Guided investigation related to international sexual and criminal misconduct by executive level employee of international real estate company.

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    Investigated allegations of sexual misconduct by pastors of churches.

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    Worked on international FCPA investigation for a hotel in Thailand.

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    Conducted internal investigation of racial and gender harassment and investigation for a large humanitarian organization with interviews throughout the western United States.

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    Worked on investigation of executive level misconduct for a mega church in the southern United States.

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    Investigated gender, age, race and disability discrimination by supervisor of amusement park.

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    On behalf of event and technology products company, conducted investigation of sexual harassment by contract employee toward employees.

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    Guided investigation of employee related to federal food safety violations by wholesale food service distributor.

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    Performed sensitive investigation of sexual harassment by senior level executive in New York against female employees for national media communications company.

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    Conducted investigation of fair housing violations alleged against real property management company.

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    Worked with chain of retail music schools in California on claims of harassment and discrimination brought against founder by employee.

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    Represented medical group board of directors in investigation of breaches of fiduciary duties and health self-dealing care violations by physician.

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    Investigated claims of self-dealing by city manager in federal criminal probe.

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    Engaged in sensitive investigation of harassment by senior level executive toward employees of therapy and childhood development company.

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    Performed investigation of legal department for large consumer company based on allegations of impropriety by former employee.

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    Guided investigation of potential federal securities violations for cryptocurrency company.

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    Conducted investigation on behalf of construction company in relation to allegations of potential violations of the Clean Water Act by the federal government.

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    Completed an internal corporate investigation of suspected embezzlement by an employee of a medical device company. The investigation led to the opening of an official criminal investigation by law enforcement.

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    Managed several complex investigations related to false and fraudulent claims made by medical providers in violation of California’s Insurance Fraud Prevention Act.

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    Conducted investigation on behalf of a university related to a complaint of racial discrimination and harassment made by a professor against the President of the University.

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    Represented international faith-based organization in conducting investigation of age and racial discrimination in human resources department.

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    Led investigation of potential FCPA bribery and U.S. Travel Act violations by company executive leading to termination of executive and risk management by company.

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    Conducted an investigation of potentially improper use of lender funds by bank executives leading to a determination of various breaches of fiduciary duties.

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    On behalf of insurance carrier, interviewed key insurance personnel and investigated allegations of extortion brought against claims specialist by insured and judgment creditor.

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    Conducted internal investigation for life science company related to whistleblower claims of violations of federal law by former employee.

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    Investigated claims of physical assault and misconduct by pastor of church.

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    Guided health care company in investigation by federal government related to false claims.

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    Performed sensitive investigation for California municipality related to leak of highly classified information including interviewing Mayor, City Council members and City Attorney.

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    Investigated fraud and embezzlement by former CEO of investment company.

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    Conducted internal investigation of executive harassment by shareholders.

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    Led and handled bilingual internal investigations for companies dealing with the Foreign Corrupt Practice Act.

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    Represented a waste collection and recycling company in a regulatory investigation by CAL-OSHA.

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    Successfully guided clients in investigations conducted by various federal and California government agencies.

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    Conducted internal investigation related to employment allegations against defense contractor before the Department of Fair Employment & Housing.

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    Conducted internal investigation for defense contractor related to $500,000 embezzlement leading to prosecution by San Diego D.A.

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    Represented construction company in investigation by Division of Labor Standards Enforcement.

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    Conducted internal investigation into allegations of discrimination brought before the EEOC.

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    Conducted FCPA due diligence investigation.

  • Obtained complete defense verdict on behalf of insurer in breach of contract and bad faith claim in state jury trial.

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    Defended venture fund in conspiracy and fiduciary duty claims brought by majority shareholder investor in closely held company.

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    Successfully defended Spanish speaking employee of government defense contractor in sexual harassment lawsuit brought by former employee.

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    Fought off non-compete intimidation efforts against departing CEO and executive team of entertainment company by former company in Michigan.

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    Preemptively quashed employment claims threatened by plaintiff’s counsel against international human rights NGO.

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    Advocated on behalf of engineering firm in breach of contract matter brought by vendor related to complex construction project.

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    Defended mortgage company and CEO in sexual harassment and employment matter brought by former employee.

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    Represented aviation company in wage and hour employment claims.

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    Aggressively defended sellers of health care company in fraud lawsuit brought by purchaser.

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    Protected former CFO of food company in employment matter.

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    Quickly defended and resolved breach of contract and intentional interference lawsuit brought against professional service firm.

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    Served as local counsel in federal court in patent litigation matter.

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    Successfully defended and aggressively pursued counterclaims in trade secrets and fraud case brought by former employee seeking ownership in valuable closely held company.

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    Obtained complete dismissal on behalf of software company client in federal lawsuit for fraud, false advertising and civil extortion.

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    Efficiently resolved real estate concealment matter for property owner.

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    Successfully defended insurance broker in federal fraud lawsuit.

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    Litigated and resolved fraud and breach of fiduciary duty litigation matter on behalf of former CEO and board member of software/media company.

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    Litigated international real estate dispute in Mexico and San Diego for international company obtaining satisfactory result for client.

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    Served as expert witness and part of legal team representing Taiwanese television manufacturer in fraud and Civil Rico litigation in federal court.

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    Represented Japanese corporation in third party litigation and quashing of subpoena in California state court.

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    Defended property owners in real estate litigation and fraud matters in California state court.

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    Pursued breach of fiduciary duty and professional negligence claims against investment advisor for mismanagement of millions of dollars in investments in federal court.

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    Successfully sought workplace harassment restraining order for corporate client.

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    Represented former CEO in defeating preliminary injunction seeking seizure of funds by foreign investor in closely held company dispute.

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    Successfully defended real estate investor in fraud claims brought by property purchaser.

Education

  • New York University School of Law, J.D., cum laude

  • Texas A&M University, B.B.A. in Finance, summa cum laude

Clerkships:

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit 

  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas

Bar/Court Admissions

  • State Bar of Texas

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas

  • Eldon B. Mahon Inn of Court, Barrister

  • Federalist Society, Fort Worth Lawyer’s Chapter

  • The Advocate Journal, Associate Editor (State Bar of Texas–Litigation Section)

  • Texas Aggie Bar Association

  • Christian Legal Society

  • Federal Bar Association

Publications and Speaking

  • U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and Fort Worth Police Department, Fort Worth, Texas, Presentation on Investigating and Charging Federal Criminal Cases through Undercover Operations, 2025

  • Dallas–Fort Worth Airport UAS Working Group, Presentation on Federal Regulations and Criminal Charges Related to Drones and Lasers, 2024

  • U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Advanced Undercover School, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Legal Instructor on Investigating, Charging, and Litigating Federal Criminal Cases based on Undercover Operations, 2023

  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Chief Counsel, Training Presentation for Attorneys on Family as a Particular Social Group, 2016

  • Note: How Does One Operate or Manage an Enterprise? Insights from Boyle v. United States, 87 N.Y.U. L. Rev. 284 (April 2012)