Thomas P Carlton was born in Carthage, MO. in 1974, where his family still resides. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Southwest Missouri State University in December, 1996. He attained his Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas, School of Law in 2000. Since passing the bar exam in July 2000, he has practiced in Joplin and Springfield, MO. He is a member of the American Trial Lawyer Association, the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys, The American Bar Association, The Missouri Bar, and the Jasper County Bar. He practices primarily in the areas of workers’ compensation.

Tom and has four children, Meaghan, Patrick, Brady, and Carrigan. Tom is a member of the Board of Directors of the Carthage Fair Acre, Family YMCA and the Carthage Youth Football board.  He enjoys working out, reading and entertainment.  Tom volunteers his time coaching youth football and baseball.