Alumni Spotlight: Tommy Du '15, Partner at Robins Kaplan LLP 2025
2025 UC Irvine Law Reunion Committee Member
Tommy Du is a seasoned trial attorney whose focus lies in business and commercial litigation. He has successfully tried numerous civil cases in federal court, state court, and arbitration, securing complete defense judgments and substantial recoveries for his clients. Tommy also has a deep commitment to pro bono work and justice. Most recently, he represented a certified class of homeless veterans in a month-long trial in federal court, securing a court judgment and injunction holding the VA accountable for failing to provide housing for veterans with disabilities on land intended for that purpose. His work on this case has resulted in numerous awards, including being named one of the Daily Journal’s Top Verdicts of 2024 and 2025 California Lawyer Attorney of the Year.
Q: How did UC Irvine Law prepare you for your legal practice?
UC Irvine Law’s focus on experiential learning, especially through clinics and externships, allowed me to build the practical skills I needed to hit the ground running as a lawyer. When faced with talking with clients for the first time as a newly minted lawyer, I thought back to my experience in law school working directly with clients to help me navigate those conversations.
Q: What do you like best about your work?
What I enjoy most about my work is being able to make a tangible impact and helping my clients navigate through complex legal issues. Clients come to you because they have a problem, and being able to help them find clarity, resolution, or relief is truly rewarding.
Q: What was the best part about being a student at UC Irvine Law?
The community. UC Irvine fosters a collaborative and supportive environment where everyone is supportive of one another and that community continues even after law school.
Q: How do you stay involved with the UC Irvine Law community?
I stay connected mostly through alumni events. I also enjoy giving back to the community when I can, through participating in panels or helping students and alumni with their career paths.
Q: What are you most looking forward to at UC Irvine Law's Reunion on September 20?
I am looking forward to reconnecting with friends, some of whom I haven’t seen in almost 10 years and celebrating the community that helped shape our careers. It’ll be a great opportunity to reflect, catch up, and reengage.