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Our deep local roots and unwavering dedication to justice make us the trusted choice for legal support in Lufkin. We're committed to serving you with the experience, knowledge, and care you deserve

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Thomas W. Deaton

Approaching every case with knowledge, skills, and experience.

Thomas W. Deaton, known to many as Tommy, is a lifelong Texan dedicated to serving his community through decades of legal experience. A 1967 graduate of Bryan Adams High School in Dallas, where he also played for the school’s football team, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University in 1971, where he continued to play for the Texas A&M football team. He then earned his Juris Doctor from Baylor University School of Law in 1974.

Tommy is a member of the Angelina County Bar Association and the State Bar of Texas and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

With a strong background in public service, Tommy has served as Prosecutor for the Municipal Court of the City of Lufkin for 16 years and as Assistant City Attorney for the City of Lufkin for 25 years.

His practice covers a wide range of legal areas, including real estate, probate, elder law, corporate and civil litigation. His extensive experience and dedication to his clients reflect his deep roots in East Texas and his lifelong commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for those he represents.

Outside of the office, Tommy enjoys hunting, fishing, attending church, and building and creating new things. He and his wife, Jan, have been married for more than 50 years and share three children—including Ryan—and nine grandchildren. Family, faith, and service to others remain at the heart of everything he does.

T. Ryan Deaton

Fighting for justice means fighting for you.

Ryan is a lifelong East Texan with a strong commitment to his community, his clients, and his family. A 1991 graduate of Lufkin High School, Ryan was a proud member of the Panther football team before earning a football scholarship to Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. While at Tulane, he served as team captain and played as a defensive lineman, graduating in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History.

In 1998, Ryan earned his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law in Houston. During law school, he interned with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, gaining valuable courtroom and trial experience early in his legal career.

Following graduation, Ryan returned to Lufkin and partnered with his father. They opened Deaton Law Firm in June 2005, where he continues to serve clients throughout East Texas. His practice focuses primarily on criminal defense, family law, and personal injury matters.

Over the course of his career, Ryan has represented clients in thousands of criminal cases—ranging from traffic offenses and juvenile matters to serious felony charges, including capital murder, death penalty and federal cases. He has also handled numerous appeals at both the state and federal levels. In addition to his criminal defense work, Ryan is dedicated to helping families navigate complex family law matters with compassion and integrity.

Ryan is a member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, the Angelina County Bar Association, and the State Bar of Texas, and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Ryan has also received the President’s Award for Meritorious service from the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (“TCDLA”). This award is rarely given except for extraordinary results by a Texas criminal defense attorney.

When he’s not practicing law, Ryan enjoys spending time outdoors such as hunting, fishing, and traveling with his family. He and his wife, Jennifer, are proud parents of three children: Caroline, Charlie, and Charlotte. One of Ryan’s proudest moments came in 2017 when he served as an assistant baseball coach for the Thundering 13, the team that won the Little League World Series—where his son, Charlie, proudly wore #10.

Mr. Deaton believes that anybody can have a bad day. Our firm is here to help regular folks who find themselves caught in the criminal justice system and need a way forward, as well as families seeking trusted legal guidance and support.

Hank

The Law Dog

Donna Smith

Legal Assistant to T. Ryan Deaton

Elexi Mandujano

Legal Assistant to T. Ryan Deaton

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