Tom Carey grew up in Napa and Sonoma, attending various public schools before graduating from Justin-Siena High School.  After earning a degree in Human Biology from Stanford University in 1990, Tom spent a summer working as a tour guide at a winery in Napa.  He then moved to Washington, D.C., where he authored over 50 research studies while working for The Advisory Board Company, then a small start up company located on Capitol Hill.  He earned his law degree from Duke Law School in 1995 before returning home to practice law at Dickenson, Peatman & Fogarty.

Since joining DP&F, Tom has helped numerous clients obtain the governmental approvals needed for their businesses, including use permits, erosion control plans, timberland conversion permits and other land use entitlements and zoning and general plan amendments.  He also has extensive experience in representing clients on alcohol beverage licensing, compliance and trade practice matters before the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, obtaining state and federal alcohol beverage licenses and permits for manufacturers, wholesalers, importers and retailers.  Uniquely, Tom qualified three successful ballot initiatives implementing zoning and general plan changes for which voter approval was required under Napa County Measure J.  Tom also enjoys working in the community.  He served on the Justin-Siena High School Board of Trustees from 1997-2004 and was Chairman of the Board from 2001-2003.  He now works to raise funds for the school's endowment as the President of the Justin-Siena High School Foundation.

Finally, Tom has the great fortune of spending his off hours with his wife Kristi, his children Rachel, Brett, Jack and Samantha, and his golden retriever Sierra.