Full name: Thomas Joshua Ogas

Current Whereabouts: Exeter, California. Population 7,000.

Education: B.A. Communication from Pepperdine University, Juris Doctorate, Pepperdine University of Law, 1999.

Birthday: four days after Christmas, 1973.

Hobbies and Interests: U2, roleplaying and storytelling, cinema, criminal justice, modern/alternative music, live bands, writing, theatre, Bridge, board games, computer games.

Fav. Foods: Red Vines, Santa Fe Cafe's Grande Burritos, Pier View Chicken Nachos, Hawaiian Punch, Triscuits, Tillamack Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Van De Camp Sourdough Bread, Ocean Spray Cran-Grape, York Peppermint Patties.

Fav. Music: (See Music Page)

Former Jobs: Theatre Technician, Museum Monitor, Computer Lab Assistant, Receptionist/Administrative Assistant, Facilities Worker, Filing Clerk, Paralegal, Tax-Software Forms Maker.

Current Job: Deputy Public Defender, Tulare County, California.

Best Advice: Buy Easter candy after Easter 'cause it's half price.

Religion: Non-denominational Christianity.

Marital Status: Not.

---

Curious notes:

At age 8, when asked 'what I wanted to do with I grew up' by my minister, I said "Be An Admiral in the Navy."

First kiss in summer of 1989. Jessica Mulhouser. A cute, red headed chearleader whom I met while counseling for a Cub Scout Camp, Camp Akela, of all places. Talk about life's little surprises.

Went to State Finals for California Mock Trial in 1990, at age 16. Lost, but gave a strong performance. It was the second time our High School's Mock Trial team had ever been to State Finals.

Wrote, Produced, and Directed the B movie "The Adventures of Plungerman" (a 56 minute parody on VHS) in 1991. Currently a cult-classic with my half-sisters. ;)

"Youth of the Year" for Exeter & Lemon Cove area, 1991. (Woo Woo! Some serious competition, too)

Design and operate sound system for Pepperdine Theatre Department's performance of "Foxfire" in 1993.

First Radio show on KMBU, "Lance & Garret Show" in 1993. Later radio shows including "Into Music" and the extremely successful "KMBU2" -- hey, they even wrote an article on it!

Second Place in Mexthesis musical competition in 1995 with the brilliant Brett Walker, singer/songwriter.

Directed the one act play "Am I Blue" in 1995 at Pepperdine's Mini-Theatre.

Creator, Designer, and "God" of Los Angeles by Night, 1995, a World of Darkness roleplay game world accessed through the internet. A "MUSH" for those of you who know the term.

Engaged to be married in late 1995. Later broken off in early 1997.

3rd Place finish in Trial Advocacy Tournament, Fall 1997.

Chosen for Honor's Trial Team, representing the school in a National Competition in Las Vegas. Advanced to the semi-finals. Not bad for my very first tournament.

Prosecuted an actual criminal case while still in law school. I prosecuted People v. Faragher. Did pre-trial motions, jury selection, and full trial from openings to closings and all the little arguments and examinations inbetween. Got a guilty verdict.

Argued a Moot Court appeal in British Law against a visiting team of Barristers in Training from England. Had to learn their law, procedure, and particular presentation style in 48 hours. Did well, even without the whig.

Passed the California Bar in July of 1999 ... but they didn't let me know the results until November.

For my first job as a lawyer I moved back to my home county, Tulare County, as a Deputy Public Defender, and I absolutely adore this work. Something deep down inside me knew I was really a defense attorney at heart. I'd just rather argue that someone is good instead of argue that someone is evil.

Back to the Main Page