Levi Thomas

PARTNER

levi@ch-llp.com | LinkedIn | 817.415.2034

Levi is a discerning counselor who guides clients through challenging situations by uncovering the truth and charting a clear path forward. As a former federal prosecutor, he brings over a decade of experience leading complex investigations, providing counsel in high-stakes matters, and litigating cases at the trial and appellate levels.

Levi has led hundreds of investigations into criminal activity, regulatory violations, and conduct that could give rise to civil liability, 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. In private practice, Levi conducts internal investigations to help organizations assess allegations of misconduct, understand their legal implications, and determine an appropriate response. Drawing on his firsthand knowledge of how government investigators and prosecutors build cases, Levi also 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.

Levi also regularly provides employment and outside general counsel services to businesses, nonprofits, and professionals. He delivers tailored advice and counsel on complicated legal and business matters. His fourteen years of experience in federal practice allow him to quickly cut to the core of issues, and his passion for teaching allows him to explain clients’ options clearly and precisely. He enjoys helping organizations thrive by proactively implementing best practices and organizational controls.

A seasoned litigator, Levi has tried numerous cases to verdict in federal jury and bench trials and handled multiple federal appeals. Prior to joining Castañeda + Heidelman, he served as a federal prosecutor in 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 law clerk to 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.

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. Before his legal career, he earned 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 children are his pride and joy. Together, they are passionate about camping, hiking, fishing, and exploring America’s national parks and public lands. He serves as a Deacon at Midlothian Bible Church, where he is devoted to discipleship and fostering authentic community.

  • For a law firm client, investigated allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination by a former employee.

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    Investigated cargo theft by corporate employees of pallets of imported high-end electronics from a customs-bonded warehouse.

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    For an ecclesiastical client, investigated allegations that a member of the clergy engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor.

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    Managed investigations of multiple employees engaged in workplace and criminal law violations, including receipt of bribes, smuggling into secure facilities, and inappropriate workplace relationships.

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    Investigated whether a leader at a private school engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor in connection with the school and whether the school was aware of any sexual misconduct.

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    Conducted a variety of investigations involving violations of the National Firearms Act, the Gun Control Act, and the Arms Export Control Act.

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    Oversaw numerous investigations involving the commercial use of drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) in violation of federal law and Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

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    Led an investigation of a business owner engaged in criminal and regulatory violations of federal firearms laws, currency reporting requirements, and tax laws.

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    Directed multiple passport, document, and visa fraud investigations.

  • Successfully tried to jury verdict in U.S. District Court in Fort Worth, Texas, a multi-count bank fraud conspiracy case involving public and private entities.

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    Successfully tried to jury verdict in U.S. District Court in Fort Worth, Texas, a case involving sexual abuse of a minor.

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    Successfully defended multiple criminal cases on appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

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    Successfully tried to verdict in U.S. District Court in Fort Worth, Texas, multiple cases involving federal firearms violations and violent crimes, including robbery.

  • Serves as outside general counsel for a Christian nonprofit organization.

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    Serves as outside general counsel for an outdoor recreation nonprofit organization.

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    Drafted and revised ​bylaws, certificates of formation, and board policies.

  • Drafted, revised, and negotiated consulting agreements for both businesses and independent contractors.

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    Provided advice and counsel on employee retention and severance agreements and employment separation process.

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    Advised a global nonprofit on compliance for I-9 worksite enforcement in relation to potential audits by the Department of Homeland Security.

  • Drafted a successful response to an adverse nonfinal office action before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a trademark application filed on behalf of a retail client. 

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    Provided advice, counsel, and drafting for a publisher client in connection with the negotiation of a trademark assignment and license-back agreement to resolve a trademark infringement and dilution dispute.

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    Drafted cease-and-desist letters in connection with trademark infringement and dilution disputes.

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    Provided advice and counsel on trademark strategy for corporate and nonprofit clients.

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 & Programs Committee Member

  • Federalist Society, Fort Worth Lawyer’s Chapter

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

  • Texas Aggie Bar Association

  • Tarrant County Bar Association

  • Christian Legal Society

  • Federal Bar Association

Publications and Speaking

  • Texas A&M University School of Law, Criminal Law Society, Fort Worth, Texas, Panelist: Prosecution Panel, April 2026

  • Texas Outdoor Recreation Alliance, Fairview, Texas, April 2026, Panel Moderator for: 

    • Investing in the Future of Texas’ Outdoor Economy

    • Nature & Recreation—A Pathway to Community Vitality and Resilience

  • Texas Aggie Bar Association Conference, College Station, Texas, Moderator and Panelist: DOJ Under the Second Trump Administration, March 2026

  • Preparing Organizations for Civil Litigation During Criminal Investigations, The Advocate, State Bar of Texas Litigation Section Report, Vol. 114 at 14 (Spring 2026)

  • U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and Arlington Police Department, Arlington, Texas, Presentation: Investigating and Charging Federal Criminal Cases Through Undercover Operations, December 2025

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

  • Dallas–Fort Worth Airport UAS Working Group, Presentation: 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, Glynco, Georgia, Legal Instructor: Investigating, Charging, and Litigating Federal Criminal Cases based on Undercover Operations, 2023

  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Chief Counsel, Irving, Texas, 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)

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