Philadelphia Lawyer Thomas Bosworth Charged in Assault Case

Thomas Bosworth, a prominent Center City personal injury lawyer known for his active TikTok account, has been charged with simple assault and harassment after allegedly choking his girlfriend and throwing her to the ground during a dispute on a walking path in Lower Merion, according to police.

The incident occurred on September 3 on the Cynwyd Heritage Trail behind Union Avenue in Bala Cynwyd. Four witnesses told police they saw Bosworth attack the woman, then throw her into bushes before walking away as she screamed. The woman was found with redness on her cheeks and discoloration around her neck, but she declined to speak with officers, as did Bosworth.

The Incident on the Cynwyd Heritage Trail

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the altercation began when the couple argued over Bosworth’s alleged infidelity. The dispute escalated after the woman mentioned a deleted text thread from his secretary. The couple’s newborn daughter was present in a stroller during the confrontation.

Witnesses reported that after choking the woman, Bosworth threw her onto the ground and into nearby bushes, then fled the scene. The woman, while on the ground, slapped Bosworth and threw rocks at him, according to the same affidavit.

Legal Charges and Bail

Bosworth, 37, of Gladwyne, has been charged with simple assault and harassment. He was released on $15,000 unsecured bail and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on October 6.

“Bosworth is presumed innocent, maintains his innocence and has full confidence in the courts,” said his attorney, Michael van der Veen, in a statement.

The charges stem from a domestic incident that took place in front of their infant daughter, adding a layer of aggravation to the case.

Bosworth’s Career and Social Media Influence

Bosworth, known to his 327,000 TikTok followers as “Tommy The Lawyer,” rose to prominence in 2022 when he secured a $19.7 million verdict in a medical malpractice case as a 33‑year‑old attorney at Kline & Specter. Since then, he has launched his own firm, amid accusations from his former employer that he poached clients and a federal judge’s sanctions for his courtroom behavior.

His social media presence blends legal commentary with lifestyle advice, turning him into a viral figure. The platform has become a double‑edged sword, providing a megaphone for his legal work while also drawing scrutiny from opponents.

Past Controversies and Professional Sanctions

The lawyer’s departure from Kline & Specter sparked an acrimonious court battle. Partners Tom Kline and Shanin Specter accused Bosworth of client poaching; he countered with defamation claims. The parties settled in 2024, but have since returned to court multiple times, each accusing the other of violating the agreement.

In 2023, Penn Medicine asked a Philadelphia judge to order Bosworth to stop posting on social media about a medical malpractice case, alleging he misrepresented facts and “poisoned” the jury pool. The judge ruled in Bosworth’s favor.

That same year, a federal judge sanctioned Bosworth for “misconduct” during four expert depositions, describing him as “rude, demeaning, and obnoxious” to a female defense attorney.

Most recently, the Pennsylvania Superior Court called his courtroom conduct “deplorable” while still upholding the $19.7 million verdict he won at Kline & Specter. The court noted that Bosworth repeatedly ignored a Philadelphia Common Pleas Court judge’s instructions in an attempt to inflame the jury.

Current Status and Outlook

As of late September 2025, the criminal case against Bosworth remains pending. The preliminary hearing is set for October 6, after which the case could proceed to trial if the judge finds probable cause.

The outcome of the case may influence both his legal career and his online brand. Observers note that the intersection of high‑profile litigation and social media fame places Bosworth under intense public and professional scrutiny.

Legal experts say the charges could lead to disciplinary action by the Pennsylvania Bar if he is convicted, potentially affecting his ability to practice law.

News, Law, People, Society, Business, Online, Personal Injury Law, Criminal Law, Assault, TikTok, Philadelphia, Legal Ethics, Social Media