Submitted by Bradford W. Botes, Sr. - Wednesday, May 7, 2025

We are thrilled to announce that Tom Sykstus, an associate attorney with the Bond, Botes Law Offices, has been honored as one of the Huntsville Business Journal's "Top 40 Under 40" for 2025. This prestigious recognition highlights young professionals who demonstrate exceptional achievement in their careers while significantly contributing to the betterment of their communities.
Tom’s roots in Huntsville run deep. Born and raised in this vibrant city, Tom is a graduate of Grissom High School, where his early academic and extracurricular pursuits set the foundation for his later accomplishments. Following his passion for law and community service, Tom went on to graduate from The University of Alabama School of Law in 2021. Tom then received an LLM degree in Litigation and Dispute Resolution from the George Washington University School of Law in Washington, DC and subsequently practiced law in DC for a number of years before returning home to Huntsville.
At the Bond & Botes Law Offices in Huntsville, Tom has quickly distinguished himself in the areas of bankruptcy, civil litigation, and personal injury law. Admitted to practice in several jurisdictions—including Alabama, New York, Maryland, and the District of Columbia—Tom's extensive legal qualifications enable him to serve a diverse client base effectively and compassionately. His commitment to public service and advocacy for his clients is evident in the numerous awards he has earned, including recognition from Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in 2024 and accolades such as the Order of the Samaritan and the Dean’s Community Service Award. Tom also served our country as a 68W Combat Medic Specialist in the U.S. Army Reserves while in college and law school.
Tom’s journey in law and public service has undoubtedly been influenced by his family’s strong tradition of professional excellence and community engagement. He is the son of my long-term partner and dear friend Ron Sykstus, a respected and widely recognized attorney who has dedicated his career to helping individuals navigate complex financial and legal challenges. Ron’s exceptional career and commitment to service have clearly inspired Tom’s dedication to excellence. You can learn more about Ron’s distinguished legal practice and his extensive contributions at Bond & Botes here: Ron Sykstus.
Tom’s mother, Patty Sykstus, has also played an integral role in shaping his character and dedication. Information about Patty’s professional journey can be found here, Patty Sykstus. Likewise, Tom’s brothers, Jack Sykstus and Sam Sykstus, are as equally accomplished as Tom.
Beyond the practice of law, Tom is an accomplished artist with a particular talent for charcoal portraits. He is an avid reader who appreciates non-fiction literature, drawing significant inspiration from acclaimed authors like David Grann and Ron Chernow. His love for music, particularly the timeless works of Bruce Springsteen, showcases his personal depth and the meaningful family traditions that enrich his life.
Having known Tom since his birth, I could not be prouder of the extraordinary young professional and compassionate individual he has become. We at Bond & Botes warmly congratulate Tom on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to his continued success and impact on our community.