Tom Scarlett: 1943 – 2025

With great sadness, we announce that our colleague and friend Tom Scarlett passed away on August 20, 2025, at the age of 82.  Tom was a great lawyer, a recognized leader of the food and drug bar, and an unexcelled teacher and inspiration to all of us in the firm.

A graduate of Columbia University and Yale Law School, Tom began his legal career in 1969 as an associate with the New York office of White & Case.  In 1971, he joined the Office of the General Counsel of the Department of Health and Human Services (then HEW) as a staff attorney in the Social and Rehabilitation Services Division. However, it was in 1973 that he found his true calling when he became a trial attorney in the FDA Chief Counsel Office in HHS, where he served until 1979, rising to Deputy Chief Counsel for Regulations and Hearings. After practicing in the D.C. office of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius from 1979 to 1981, Tom was called back to FDA, where he was appointed Chief Counsel of FDA. Tom held that position with distinction, and some drama, until 1989, when we were honored to have him became a Principal in our law firm.

Tom was in active practice with the firm for 19 years, until he bcame senior counsel status in 2008.  Tom fully retired in 2017, but he was always available to help when called upon and was a regular attendee at our firm functions.

Tom was one of the intellectual stars of the food and drug bar.  He had a quick understanding of the key issues in a matter and the ability to develop thoughtful, effective solutions to them (which he presented in his cool, polite and understated manner).  Tom also was an extraordinary writer of clear, efficient and persuasive prose.  He was often called on to assist lawyers in other firms with complicated matters.

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family.  Tom will be greatly missed.