Thomas Harvey

Thomas Harvey is the current Executive Director of the Children's Defense Fund-California & National Litigation Strategist. Thomas was previously the Program Director for the Justice Project at Advancement Project from May 2018 to January 2022. Prior to that, they were the Co-Founder and founding Executive Director of ArchCity Defenders from January 2009 to December 2018.

Thomas Harvey has dedicated their career to fighting for the civil and human rights of poor people and people of color. Thomas has used their skills as a lawyer to provide holistic legal advocacy and combat the criminalization of poverty and state violence. Through their work with ArchCity Defenders, they have provided direct services, engaged in impact litigation, and advocated for policy and media reform on behalf of the communities ACD serves.

Thomas Harvey's commitment to social justice began early in their career when they interned at the St. Louis Public Defender's Office in 2009. Thomas then went on to clerk at the Law Offices of Kenneth R. Schwartz from August 2007 to July 2009. During their time in law school, they were a Faculty Fellow for Professor David Sloss at Saint Louis University School of Law from May 2007 to May 2008.

Thomas Harvey's passion for justice and dedication to defending the rights of the most vulnerable members of society has led him to their current role as Executive Director of CDF-CA & National Litigation Strategist at Children's Defense Fund. In this role, they are able to continue fighting for systemic change that will create a more just and equitable society for all.

Thomas Harvey has a JD from Saint Louis University School of Law, as well as a degree in International and Business Law from Université Paris Dauphine - PSL. Thomas also has a Certificate in International Humanitarian Law from Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica. Thomas is currently ABD in French Literature and Humanities from UC Irvine, and also has an MA in French Literature from University of Missouri-Columbia. Their undergraduate degree is in French from Wabash College.

Their manager is Starsky Wilson, President & CEO. They work with Sheri A. Brady - VP, Strategy & Program, Alisha Porter - State Director, CDF-MN, and Shamir Shahi - Chief of Staff.