Judge Thomas Weissmuller ’83

Judge Thomas Weissmuller graduated from Wheeler High School in 1983. His extracurricular activities included swimming and martial arts. He was (and remains) a member of the North Stonington Grange and Fair Committee. Tom graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in Political Science and earned his Juris Doctor from Washington University School of Law before practicing law in Washington State, where he continued to volunteer as a swimming coach and martial arts instructor.

Astounded by the poverty, drug abuse, and violent crime on western Indian reservations, and concerned about corruption within emerging Indian gaming establishments, Tom joined an effort to ensure justice on Indian lands.

He earned an appointment to the tribal bench in Washington and assisted in developing the Tulalip and Swinomish Tribal Courts. He ultimately returned to Connecticut to assume the position of Chief Judge on the Mashantucket (Western) Pequot Indian Reservation.

Tom served on the Board of Directors of several national justice organizations. He has worked with various offices of the federal government, advised the United States Attorney General, and testified before the United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Tom continues to consult and lecture on justice matters, teaches martial arts, and works to combat bullying and violence. His dedication to the law and his community exemplifies the spirit and accomplishments of Wheeler High School Distinguished Alumni.