Thomas Schaffer first worked at age twelve for his father’s farm and grain elevator. Coming from a large family, he saw how working families can struggle to make ends meet early on. At a young age, he learned the value of hard work, dedication, and commitment to family.

Attorney Thomas Schaffer was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1990. Thomas graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1984 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Economics, from Bowling Green State University in 1986 with a Master’s degree in Economics, and from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1990 with his J.D. degree.

Tom has over thirty years of experience representing injured and disabled people as an attorney in Northwest Ohio. After 27 years in a large, local law firm, he boldly decided to form Schaffer & Associates with his colleagues, attorney Laura Wilson and attorney Marilyn Levine. The mission of Schaffer & Associates is to provide dedicated and aggressive representation to people who are injured and disabled.

Tom has represented injured workers in thousands of hearings before the Industrial Commission of Ohio. He is also regularly involved in litigation, having successfully taken many cases to jury trial in Lucas and neighboring counties. During his tenure as an attorney, he has argued many cases before Ohio appellate courts and the Ohio Supreme Court. He has frequently lectured on all aspects of injury law for fellow attorneys, injured and disabled workers, and labor organizations.

Tom is passionate about giving back to the community. Today, he is a member of the Toledo Bar Association, the Lucas County Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, and the Ohio Association for Justice (formerly on the board of trustees and Workers’ Compensation Regional Representative).

Additionally, Tom formerly served as a Board member and Board President of the Zepf Community Mental Health Center, a Board member and Board President of the Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, a Board member and Board President of Legal Aid of Western Ohio, and as a chair for the Justice for Clients Committee. He enjoys participating in TBA’s workers’ compensation section meetings as well as presenting at multiple seminars. With the Zepf Center, he assisted in efforts to provide behavioral health and vocational services to youth and adults with severe and persistent mental illness in Lucas County.

“I come from a family of eight where both my parents worked hard and struggled to make ends meet, week after week. I became a lawyer to help working people, particularly those who have been injured due to no fault of their own. Making ends meet is difficult enough, but it is especially difficult when unexpected injury happens. Individuals who suffer injuries need help making sure their claims are approved, and their compensation and medical benefits are paid. It gives me great pleasure to help people, and I am very proud of all the work we do at Schaffer & Associates.”