Tom Brejcha is a renowned legal expert with four and a half decades of experience in federal and state courts. As the Founder, President, and Chief Counsel of Thomas More Society, he has spent the last twenty-six years championing the sanctity of life, religious liberty, family values, and election integrity. Hailing from Chicago’s South Side, Tom graduated with honors from Notre Dame and earned a Root-Tilden Scholarship to New York University Law School. As an Army Captain in Vietnam, he received a Bronze Star and an Army Commendation Medal.

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In 1986, Tom volunteered to defend pro-life leader Joe Scheidler in the landmark NOW v. Scheidler case. After numerous challenges and three U.S. Supreme Court appearances, Tom prevailed, leading to the formation of Thomas More Society in 1997. The organization has since evolved into a leading public interest law firm with active cases and skilled attorneys nationwide. Tom has testified before U.S. Congressional Committees, appeared on national and local media, and received numerous awards for his work. As a respected speaker, he shares his expertise at prestigious conferences.

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Tom lives in Evanston, IL, with his wife Deborah, and they have two sons, Matthew and Peter.

Andrew Bath, a distinguished attorney and pro-life advocate, serves as the Executive Vice President & General Counsel for Thomas More Society. With over 30 years in the pro-life movement, Andy has contributed to numerous nationally significant cases involving life and religious freedom. He joined Thomas More Society as Special Counsel in 2013 before assuming his current role in 2017.

Previously, Andy was Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Boys Town, the renowned organization helping at-risk youth. He held leadership roles, including Chairman of the Wisconsin Right to Life Political Action Committee, and is an active member of the Heritage Foundation, the Federalist Society, and the Catholic Bar Assocation’s board of directors. In private practice, Andy specialized in civil litigation and corporate law. He earned his Juris Doctor from Marquette University Law School and holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
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Andrew Bath’s dedication to the pro-life movement and extensive legal expertise continue to make a significant impact in defending the sanctity of life and religious freedom.

Peter Breen, Executive Vice President & Head of Litigation at Thomas More Society, is a respected attorney with two decades of experience. Skilled in federal courtrooms, legislative debates, and media analysis, he has been involved in significant legal and public policy battles. Peter’s expertise is sought by leaders across various sectors, including pastors, nonprofit leaders, and elected officials. After leaving private law practice in 2004, Peter joined Thomas More Society in 2008, crediting Founder and President Tom Brejcha for his success.

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As an Illinois State Representative, Peter became the Republican Floor Leader and shepherded more bills into law than any other legislator in his class. He also served on the Village of Lombard Board, achieving tax reform for residents. A passionate pro-life advocate, Peter founded two not-for-profit pregnancy resource centers in Chicago’s suburbs. He holds a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from Vanderbilt University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Notre Dame. Peter attended seminary for the Diocese of Joliet and studied at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

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Peter is married to Margie Manczko Breen, former Director of the Archdiocese of Chicago Respect Life Office, and they have two sons, Matthew and James.

Joan Mannix, Executive Vice President & Managing Counsel at Thomas More Society, is an acclaimed attorney specializing in civil appellate practice. Throughout her distinguished career, she has written hundreds of appellate briefs, argued before the Illinois Appellate Court and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and represented clients in the Illinois Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court.

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Her notable victories include a $16 million judgment reversal and an $8.3 million wrongful death verdict. A proud Double Domer, Joan holds a bachelor’s degree in History and a J.D. from the University of Notre Dame. Committed to service, she volunteered for the Peace Corps, teaching science in Burkina Faso. Recognized as an Illinois Super Lawyer multiple times, Joan has contributed to Illinois Institute of Continuing Education (IICLE) publications, co-authoring chapters on Settlement and Compromise and Settlement Procedures.

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With her vast experience, expertise, and dedication to justice, Joan Mannix continues to significantly impact the legal field and improve the lives of her clients.

Thomas Olp, an accomplished attorney with expertise in labor, employment, and litigation, serves as Executive Vice President & Head of Election Integrity at Thomas More Society. A magna cum laude graduate of Georgetown University, Tom earned his J.D. from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, and his LLM from Georgetown University Law Center.

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Beginning his career with the National Labor Relations Board, Tom later joined Montgomery Ward as a labor and employment lawyer. From 1985 to 1994, he practiced law in Washington, D.C., partnering with Finley Kumble and Ross & Hardies. Since 1994, he has held the position of Vice President and General Counsel for Connor-Winfield Corporation in Aurora, Illinois.

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Tom started offering pro bono services to Thomas More Society in 2007 and became a board member in 2014. As a full-time attorney since 2015, Tom manages cases in Illinois and other states, covering a wide array of legal topics including sidewalk counseling, religious freedom, transgender issues, defamation, employment, and FOIA. With his extensive legal knowledge and unwavering commitment to election integrity, Thomas Olp consistently makes a significant impact in the pursuit of justice.

Martin A. Cannon, Jr., Senior Counsel at Thomas More Society, is an esteemed trial lawyer with a deep commitment to the pro-life movement. A Creighton University graduate, Martin has dedicated his career to defending life and religious freedom. He has successfully handled forty cases involving Leroy Carhart's abortion clinic in Bellevue, Nebraska, and others related to closed Omaha clinics. Martin also secured Fr. Norman Weslin‘s release after defending him against federal criminal charges.

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In 1996, Martin helped protect a young couple from the State of Nebraska’s attempt to remove life support from their brain-injured daughter. As the lead author of Thomas More Society Omaha’s amicus brief in Nichols v. Nichols, he fervently defended traditional marriage. After relocating to Iowa, Martin supported legislators in drafting and debating the fetal pain bill and effectively argued against webcam abortions before the Iowa Board of Medicine. Recently, Martin defended sidewalk counselor Peggy McGinty against criminal trespass charges by Planned Parenthood and secured the right to assemble for the 40 Days for Life group in Red Oak, IA.

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With his steadfast dedication to upholding life and religious liberties, Martin Cannon continues to make a substantial impact in the legal field and the pro-life movement.

Tyler Brooks is a lawyer based in North Carolina and is admitted to practice law in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Michigan. He received his law degree from Vanderbilt University Law School in 2006 and earned his B.A. in Latin, summa cum laude, from Wake Forest University, where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and awarded the M.D. Phillips Prize in Classical Languages. He also holds an LL.M. in Taxation from Villanova University’s Graduate Tax Program. Mr.Brooks served as a judicial law clerk to a United States District Judge in the Western District ofTennessee from 2008 to 2011. Prior to his federal clerkship, he clerked for a Tennessee statecourt judge for two years.

In his career, Tyler has represented states insuits against the federal government and other parties in high profile litigation, including employees discriminated against because of their religious beliefs and pro-life sidewalk counselors.

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Steve Crampton, Senior Counsel at Thomas More Society, is a highly skilled litigator specializing in constitutional law. With a wealth of experience, Steve has litigated civil liberties cases at all levels, from state supreme courts to federal appellate courts, and even the United States Supreme Court. In addition to his work with Thomas More Society, Steve has also been a candidate for the Mississippi Supreme Court and has collaborated with the American Family Association and Liberty Counsel to offer legal services and advocacy for life, family, and freedom.

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Steve’s expertise extends to advising and representing state and federal legislators, including United States Congressmen, on drafting and defending legislation. A sought-after legal commentator, he has made frequent appearances in the media, featuring on notable programs such as the O’Reilly Factor, Sean Hannity’s show, Fox & Friends, and various ABC, NBC, and CNN broadcasts.

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His insights have also been shared on countless television and radio programs. Residing in Tupelo, MS, Steve Crampton’s exceptional legal acumen and commitment to constitutional rights make him a valuable asset to Thomas More Society and the clients he serves.

Matt Heffron, Senior Counsel for Thomas More Society, is a distinguished trial attorney with extensive experience across various legal fields. A Georgetown University Law Center alumnus, Matt started as a federal prosecutor in Phoenix, eventually becoming Deputy Chief for the Criminal Division. In 1998, Matt returned to his hometown, Omaha, specializing in commercial lawsuits, white-collar criminal defense, and personal injury cases, particularly in the trucking industry.

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Matt’s collaboration with Thomas More Society began in 2006, partnering with board member Martin Cannon to successfully defend the late pro-life hero, Fr. Norman Weslin, in a federal F.A.C.E. Act criminal trial after Fr. Weslin prayed the rosary inside the notorious Carhart abortion facility. Matt has also aided in defending the Iowa Board of Medicine’s ban on webcam abortions, submitting an amicus brief and providing extensive research to Iowa’s Attorney General.

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Thankful for the chance to contribute to Thomas More Society’s mission, Matt Heffron continues to positively impact the legal field and champion life and religious freedom.

Michael McHale, Senior Counsel at Thomas More Society, is a dedicated and accomplished attorney with a strong background in defending life and religious freedom. Michael earned a B.A. in Journalism and History from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with high distinction in 2009 and a J.D. from the University of Nebraska College of Law with distinction in 2012.

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Before joining Thomas More Society, Michael served as general counsel and policy analyst for the Nebraska Catholic Conference, where he testified before several committees of the Nebraska Legislature, defending the constitutionality of school vouchers, tax-credit scholarships, and Nebraska’s parental consent statute for abortion-seeking minors. From 2018 to 2019, he clerked for the Honorable L. Steven Grasz on the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Michael's writings on life and religious freedom have been featured in the Witherspoon Institute’s online journal, Public Discourse, the Omaha World-Herald, and the Lincoln Journal Star.

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Michael also completed pre-theology studies as a seminarian at St. Gregory the Great Seminary, where he delved into philosophy and natural law. His unwavering commitment to protecting fundamental rights makes Michael McHale a valuable asset to the Thomas More Society and its mission.

Abigail Bongiorno serves as Counsel with Thomas More Society, where she practices First Amendment law.  Abbey graduated from University of Wisconsin School of Law in 2022. During law school, she spent two years as a legal intern for Thomas More Society, worked for the Brown County District Attorney’s office, and served as president of UW’s Federalist Society. For her undergraduate studies, Abbey graduated summa cum laude, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish from Eastern Michigan University, and was a First Liberty Fellow.  Abbey is licensed to practice law in Wisconsin and Illinois.

Christopher Ferrara, a dedicated Roman Catholic attorney, pro-life activist, and journalist, serves as Special Counsel for the Thomas More Society. In 1990, he founded the American Catholic Lawyers Association and joined the Thomas More Society in 2020. Ferrara’s legal work focuses on sanctity of life, religious liberty cases, and combatting unjust laws targeting Catholic institutions and infringing on parental rights. Ferrara graduated from Fordham Law in 1977 and practices from a satellite office in the New York metropolitan area. As a widely published author on Catholic Church affairs, he brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to his work with Thomas More Society.

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A devoted family man, Ferrara is married and has six children. His steadfast commitment to defending religious liberties and life, along with his extensive legal experience, make him an invaluable asset to Thomas More Society and the causes he passionately supports.

Erick G. Kaardal is an accomplished attorney specializing in governmental relations and serves as Special Counsel for Thomas More Society. He focuses on pro-life, family values, and election integrity cases. Kaardal, admitted in Minnesota, Wisconsin, the U.S. Supreme Court, and various U.S. federal district and appeals courts, contributes extensive trial practice experience to the organization. Born in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, Kaardal graduated magna cum laude in economics from Harvard College in 1988 before earning his law degree from the University of Chicago Law School in 1992.

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He co-founded Mohrman & Kaardal, P.A., after working at Faegre & Benson and Trimble & Associates, Ltd. Passionate about public law cases, Kaardal has participated in over 200 cases representing parties opposed to the government, including two U.S. Supreme Court victories. In 2017, he received the prestigious “Defender of Life” Award from Life Legal Defense Foundation for his litigation efforts related to abortion. Kaardal served ten years as a field artillery officer in the Army National Guard and Reserves, retiring as a Captain. He has held leadership positions in the Republican Party of Minnesota and the John Adams Society.

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Kaardal and his wife Alison have eight children and reside in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Nathan Loyd, Staff Counsel at Thomas More Society, is a passionate defender of life, liberty, and the Constitution. Nathan earned a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Notre Dame, an M.S. in Nuclear Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology, and an M.A. in Theology and Bioethics from Holy Apostles College and Seminary.  He finally found his way to law in 2020, graduating cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center. He has been integral to Thomas More Society's pro-life, free speech, and religious liberty litigation.

Before joining the Thomas More Society, Nathan served in the Air Force, and continues to serve in the Air Force Reserves.  Nathan has also served as the president of a nation-wide hybrid-homeschooling association serving over 1,000 children.  Most importantly, he and his wife have seven children.  Nathan's steadfast fidelity to the Constitution—both as an attorney and a military officer—makes him a tireless champion of his clients' rights and a tremendous member of the Thomas More Society team.

Chuck LiMandri, a distinguished trial attorney, brings a wealth of experience to his role as Special Counsel for Thomas More Society. With a practice spanning civil litigation, business litigation, products liability, medical malpractice, and personal injury cases, LiMandri has built a reputation for excellence since 1983. He has tried numerous civil trials to verdict in both state and federal courts and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.

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LiMandri’s numerous accolades include membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Circle, the highest rating for legal skills and ethics in the Martindale-Hubbell national directory of attorneys, and listings in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Who’s Who in American Law, and Who’s Who in the World.

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As a member of both the American Board of Trial Advocates and the National Board of Trial Advocacy, he is among an elite group of San Diego attorneys. A frequent author, lecturer, and guest speaker, LiMandri has appeared on radio and television, including the Fox News Network. He is also the President and Chief Counsel of the Freedom of Conscience Defense Fund. LiMandri’s commitment to public service has been recognized through numerous awards from Catholic and Christian organizations, as well as the American Legion.

Paul M. Jonna, a distinguished attorney, serves as Special Counsel for Thomas More Society, specializing in complex business, real estate, investment, personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, insurance bad faith, and high-profile constitutional litigation. Jonna is known for his successful track record and client-focused approach.

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With extensive trial and arbitration experience, Jonna has argued before state and federal courts, including the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the California Court of Appeals. He has been recognized as one of the “Best of the Bar” by the San Diego Business Journal and named to Super Lawyer’s San Diego Rising Stars list. Avvo rates him 10.0 out of 10.0. Jonna began working with Charles LiMandri in 2013, becoming a named partner in 2016. He earned his J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law and his B.S. from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business.

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Additionally, Jonna serves as President of the San Diego Chapter of Legatus, on the Board of Directors of the Ruth Institute, and as a member of the St. Thomas More Society of San Diego Board. A San Diego native, Jonna resides in Rancho Santa Fe with his wife and six children.