Judge Tom B. Kirkbride: A Legacy of Service and Leadership

Judge Tom B. Kirkbride, principal attorney at Kirkbride Law, P.C., is a distinguished public safety professional and legal advocate with a long-standing record of service and success. He holds a Juris Doctorate from the John Marshall Law School in Atlanta and a Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) from the prestigious Command College at Columbus State University—an institution known for preparing Georgia's police chiefs and public safety leaders.

Before embarking on his legal career, Tom served as a United States Army veteran, dedicating over 12 years to his country. As a special operations explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician and breacher, he operated in some of the most critical and dangerous environments, earning recognition for his bravery. Unfortunately, severe injuries sustained in the line of duty led to his military retirement, but his commitment to serving others continued.

Tom’s legal credentials include admission to the Georgia Court of Appeals, Georgia Supreme Court, United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. His extensive experience in both the military and federal law enforcement provides him with a unique perspective and skill set, making him a trusted advocate for public safety professionals.

Since 1990, Tom has been a Georgia P.O.S.T. Certified Peace Officer, excelling as a bomb technician, arson investigator, and SWAT team leader, with over 6,000 hours of P.O.S.T.-certified training. Following the 9/11 attacks, Tom answered the call to serve in the Federal Air Marshal Service, rising to the rank of Supervisory Federal Air Marshal and playing a key role in national and global counter-terrorism efforts. He retired in 2022 after an impressive 32-year career spanning military and federal law enforcement service with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

In his legal practice, Tom is fiercely dedicated to representing public safety professionals, leveraging his hands-on experience to provide specialized legal services in public safety employment law, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaints, and civil rights matters. He also advocates for veterans navigating VA claims and provides support for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. His expertise in representing officers facing P.O.S.T. certification and disciplinary issues is well-known, making him a trusted ally for those in public safety.

Beyond the courtroom, Tom has spent over two decades as an Associate Professor at the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College, where he mentors and educates future law enforcement leaders. He also serves on the Columbus State University Alumni Association Board, contributing to the academic community that has shaped so many of Georgia’s public safety professionals.

An active member of his local community, Tom serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 210 in Peachtree City and is a dedicated parishioner at Saint Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Fayetteville. He also provides legal and safety education as a member of the Public Safety Committee at Whitewater High School.

Judge Tom B. Kirkbride’s lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and justice makes him a highly respected figure in both the legal and public safety fields. His unwavering dedication to his clients, coupled with his extensive experience, ensures that those he represents receive the highest level of support and advocacy.

Senior Paralegal - Office Manager

Email: pbh@kirkbridelaw.com

O: 678-719-0331 extension: 107

Paralegal

O: 678-719-0331

Email: Olm@kirkbridelaw.com