Thomas O. "Tom" Deen, Maritime Attorney in Houston, Texas
Schouest, Bamdas, Soshea & BenMaier PLLC
Houston, TX
Trusted maritime attorney serving Houston.
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Quick answer
Thomas O. "Tom" Deen is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Maritime. Currently practicing at Schouest, Bamdas, Soshea & BenMaier PLLC.
- Based in
- Houston, TEXAS
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Maritime
- Handles Maritime matters from Houston, TEXAS.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law (2026).
About Thomas O. "Tom" Deen: Thomas O. "Tom" Deen is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Maritime. Currently practicing at Schouest, Bamdas, Soshea & BenMaier PLLC.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Thomas O. "Tom" Deen
Thomas concentrates on maritime. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Maritime cases in Houston, Texas
Thomas takes maritime matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Thomas O. "Tom" Deen — Attorney of Texas maritime experience
Thomas O. "Tom" Deen is an attorney based in Houston, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Maritime. Currently practicing at Schouest, Bamdas, Soshea & BenMaier PLLC.
Thomas Deen is a partner in SBSB’s Corpus Christi and Houston offices. Over a career spanning more than 40 years in maritime law, he has developed a reputation for client service. As a litigator, arbitrator and counsel, he represents clients in other areas including construction, energy, transportation, business transactions and more.
A member of SBSB Eastham since September 2016, Tom is a certified arbitrator and is a past Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Houston Maritime Arbitrators Association. His experience and professionalism across multiple roles earned him the distinct honor of an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell. He also gives back to maritime organizations throughout the Houston area, actively participating in the Houston Yacht Club, the Houston International Seafarer’s Center, the Corpus Christi International Seafarer’s Center and the International Propeller Club of the U.S. – Port of Houston.
Tom is admitted to the State Bar of Texas and is licensed to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas. He is an authority on maritime law and is well-versed in other areas of the law, allowing Tom to provide his expertise across numerous practice areas.
Working with Thomas on a maritime matter
Thomas Deen is a partner in SBSB’s Corpus Christi and Houston offices. Over a career spanning more than 40 years in maritime law, he has developed a reputation for client service. As a litigator, arbitrator and counsel, he represents clients in other areas including construction, energy, transportation, business transactions and more. A member of SBSB Eastham since September 2016, Tom is a…
Clients Thomas works with
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for maritime matters in Houston and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
Thomas O. "Tom" Deen's legal education and bar admissions
South Texas College of Law Houston
J.D. · 1983
Emory University
B.S. · 1977
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
Texas, State Bar of
ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in South Texas College of Law Houston and B.S. in Emory University.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in South Texas College of Law Houston and B.S. in Emory University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Thomas O. "Tom" Deen
Thomas has received 3 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell (2026).
Locations
Thomas O. "Tom" Deen's office in Houston
Thomas's primary office is at 1001 Mckinney Street, Suite 1400, Houston, Texas, 77002. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Schouest, Bamdas, Soshea & BenMaier PLLC
1001 Mckinney Street, Suite 1400
Houston, Texas 77002
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Thomas O. "Tom" Deen — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new maritime attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Thomas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Thomas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Thomas will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a maritime attorney in Houston, Texas
A short list to run through before you commit: How many maritime matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Thomas
Thomas discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in maritime practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every maritime matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Thomas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Thomas's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many maritime practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Thomas O. "Tom" Deen
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a maritime case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Thomas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Thomas offer a free consultation?
Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some maritime attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do maritime cases in Texas typically take?
Simple maritime matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Houston?
Thomas is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Thomas will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Thomas?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Thomas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Thomas accepting new maritime clients right now?
Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Maritime attorneys serving Houston, Dallas and Austin in Texas
Thomas handles maritime matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified maritime attorneys in that community.
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If Thomas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these maritime attorneys in Houston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





