FAMILY FOCUSED. JUSTICE DRIVEN. Barrett Thomas
BARRETT THOMAS
The Story Behind
The Bear
For Barrett Thomas, the bear isn’t just a logo — it’s a piece of his heart.
His mother, Dr. Della “DD” Thomas, was the embodiment of strength wrapped in compassion. As the longtime school psychologist for Waco ISD, she poured love and care into every student she served. At home, she was a steady, nurturing presence — always reminding her children and grandchildren that they were protected, cherished, and never alone.
After her passing, Barrett gave his daughters a small bear necklace — a simple but powerful symbol of their grandmother’s love. It carried a message they would always remember: You are loved. You are safe. You belong.
Years later, during one of the most difficult seasons of his life, Barrett found himself holding that same necklace — drawing strength not just from the memory of his mother, but from the values she lived by. Though he had built a successful law practice with offices across Texas, he felt a deeper calling: to serve his community in a way that would carry forward her legacy of care, protection, and unwavering fairness.
That calling led him to run for District Court Judge.
about
Family First. Always.
Barrett Thomas is more than an attorney and candidate—he’s a husband, father, and protector whose life has been shaped by faith, family, and service.
Barrett and his wife, Charla Thomas are raising a busy, blended crew. The Thomas home is built on laughter, love, and life lessons. It’s a place where faith, family, and community come first, and where the values that guide Barrett’s campaign are lived out every day.
Their household also includes two beloved dogs, Mable, a one-of-a-kind rescue and Winnie, a spunky cava-poo who’s convinced she runs the place. They also have two feline companions - Julius and Sneezy - to round out the zoo.
Barrett knows firsthand what it means to navigate the challenges and joys of a blended family. That experience shapes the way he approaches family law—understanding not just the rules, but the real people and real lives impacted by them.
A Proven Record of Service and Integrity
I’m Barrett Thomas, a conservative fifth-generation Wacoan running for Judge of the 170th District Court to serve McLennan County and families like you. As a father, a former police officer, and an experienced family law attorney, I am dedicated to protecting children and families. I am the founder of Lighthouse Legal Services, PLLC, an award-winning law firm known across Texas for fighting for the vulnerable. I'm running for judge because McLennan County deserves a court focused on the best interests of families and children. I am committed to serving our community with fairness, integrity, and principled leadership.
A Judge Who Knows
Barrett doesn’t just know family law—he knows family. His own blended-family journey has been filled with love, laughter, lessons, and the occasional chaos that comes with raising kids. Those experiences remind him every day that behind every case file is a real family, facing challenges that don’t end when the court session does.
That’s why Barrett’s promise is simple: to treat every parent and every child with the same fairness, compassion, and respect he wants for his own family. Because for him, justice isn’t abstract—it’s personal.
Experience You Can Trust
Barrett Thomas has spent nearly two decades serving Texans in the courtroom, in law enforcement, and in leadership. No matter the title - attorney, prosecutor, police officer, or mentor - his focus has always been the same: protecting families and ensuring justice is fair, efficient, and accessible.
He began his career in law enforcement serving as a police officer in McGregor, Texas. In total, he spent 17 years in reserve, part-time, or full-time positions, including a short tenure as Chief of Police in Anson, Texas. That experience gave him a front-row view of the challenges families face and the importance of justice that is both firm and compassionate. In addition to his time as an officer and deputy, Barrett has served as an Assistant District Attorney in Taylor County and the 32nd Judicial District. He has prosecuted everything from misdemeanors to first degree felonies. Today, as the principal attorney at Lighthouse Legal Services, he continues to guide families through some of life’s most difficult seasons with steadiness and care.
Leadership has always been part of Barrett’s calling. He’s served as President of the Texas Young Lawyers Association, on the Executive Committee of the State Bar of Texas, and on the boards of both the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children and the Texas Bar Foundation. He has also given back as President of the Hardin-Simmons University Alumni Association and as a Waco Chamber LEAD Mentor, pouring into the next generation of leaders. Along the way, his work has been recognized with multiple SuperLawyer designations, the Outstanding Young Alumni Award from Hardin-Simmons University, the Graduate of the Last Decade Award from Texas Tech University School of Law, and an annual selection among the “Best of Waco” for criminal and family law attorneys.
Barrett’s strong academic foundation includes a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Texas Tech University School of Law, a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Tarleton State University, and a Bachelor of Behavioral Science from Hardin-Simmons University. He also holds a Master Peace Officer Certification and is a certified TCOLE Instructor, combining classroom knowledge with real-world experience. Barrett recently began a second part-time master's program in Marriage and Family Counseling.
Through it all, Barrett’s guiding principles remain clear:
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Justice must be equal and respectful—the same rules for every person and every case in a kind way, cognizant of the significance of the issue for the litigant before the court.
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The court must be efficient—backlogs reduced, hearings started on time, and everyone’s time respected.
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Rules and expectations must be clear—clear and fair local rules, standing orders, and procedures should provide predictability and equal standing.
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Families must be treated with compassion and accountability—upholding the law while protecting dignity.
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And above all, the community must have trust—a courtroom where victims, families, and attorneys feel respected and heard.
For Barrett, this work is not just about the law. It’s about people. It’s about families. And it’s about carrying the same strength, compassion, and fairness he learned at home into the courtroom every day—because protecting families has always been, and always will be, at the heart of who he is.
A Judge Who Knows
Barrett doesn’t just know family law—he knows family. His own blended-family journey has been filled with love, laughter, lessons, and the occasional chaos that comes with raising kids. Those experiences remind him every day that behind every case file is a real family, facing challenges that don’t end when the court session does.
That’s why Barrett’s promise is simple: to treat every parent and every child with the same fairness, compassion, and respect he wants for his own family. Because for him, justice isn’t abstract—it’s personal.
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REBECCA C. BERRY EXPERIENCED RESULTS DRIVEN LEADERSHIP
2035