Tom Sykstus is a Huntsville native and graduate of Virgil I. Grissom High School. He earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Alabama and a Master of Law degree from George Washington School of Law. Throughout this time, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Combat Medic and was honorably discharged in 2021. Tom lived and worked in Washington, D.C. where he was named a Super Lawyer™ Rising Star for his work in medical malpractice.

He moved back to Huntsville and is now a trial lawyer at Bond, Botes, Sykstus, & Tanner. Tom is also the president-elect of the Huntsville Bar Association Young Lawyers Section. Tom is licensed in DC, NY, AL, MD, and in the United States Immigration Court.

What do you love most about living and working in Huntsville?

I cherish both the city’s rich spaceflight heritage and the refreshingly supportive business community, where collaboration trumps the cutthroat competition found in larger metropolitan areas.

What’s your best advice for starting a career in the Rocket City?

Step boldly beyond your comfort zone and prioritize networking—simply showing up at industry events, meetups, and community gatherings where professionals congregate will create opportunities that might otherwise remain hidden.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

I enjoy quality time with my fiancée, Samantha, staying active with regular workouts, reading, and drawing portraits.

How do you like to give back to the community, and why is it important to you?

I occasionally give seminars teaching folks about our immigration system, helping them understand their rights regardless of status. Those who need the most help are often least financially able to obtain it, which is why this work matters to me. Access to legal information should never be limited by someone’s economic situation.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I draw with charcoal and have been featured in two online art galleries.

Where is your favorite place to relax in Huntsville?

The North Alabama Japanese Garden—that’s where I proposed to my fiancée!

What is your favorite workday jam?

“Red Wine Supernova” by Chappell Roan.

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