While many talk about workplace equity, few dedicate their lives to it. Joni M. Thome, Founding Member at Wanta Thome has spent her career turning that commitment into action—one case, one voice, and one hard-fought battle at a time. With more than three decades of legal advocacy behind her, she has become one of the most respected voices in employment law, known not only for her litigation victories but for the deep, human impact of her work.
Thome’s career has been defined by her fearless willingness to take on cases others might hesitate to touch. Whether representing an employee who was unjustly terminated after raising concerns about harassment, or guiding a public school worker through a complex battle with institutional discrimination, she has approached every client with empathy, integrity, and the belief that every voice deserves to be heard—especially those pushed to the margins.
Her work is not just about legal briefs and courtroom arguments—it’s about restoring dignity to people who’ve been silenced, overlooked, or devalued by systems meant to protect them.
Throughout her career, Thome has challenged entrenched power structures, held public institutions accountable, and empowered clients to stand up not only for themselves but for broader change. She’s more than a legal professional—she’s a catalyst for transformation, and her impact continues to ripple across workplaces, communities, and the lives of countless individuals who finally found the courage to speak up.
Rooted in Fairness
Joni Thome’s path to employment law was neither accidental nor opportunistic—it was purpose-built from a young age. Her awareness of injustice began early, shaped by her own experiences growing up as a confident and capable young girl who was frequently underestimated.
“Girls and women are strong leaders, and underdogs should never be picked last or devalued based on how far they can throw a ball,” she recalls. “Courage demands action for the good of one and all.”
It was these formative experiences—where she saw how easily strength could be dismissed and how power could silence others—that instilled in her a mission to be a voice for those without one. These weren’t just memories; they became the foundation of her legal career.
Later, witnessing inequities in real workplaces only deepened her conviction.
“I saw early on how power imbalances hurt everyday people,” she says. “That foundation, coupled with witnessing injustice in multiple workplaces, led me to dedicate my career to ensuring employees have both a voice and real accountability when employers overstep.”
This commitment to accountability and voice would shape every decision in her legal journey—from her case strategies to her involvement in advocacy organizations.
Empathy That Transforms
Joni Thome approaches every case with the understanding that behind every legal issue is a human story that deserves to be heard with care and clarity.
“I begin with empathetic listening to capture not just the facts but to get to know the person and the human story of the work issues.”
In contrast to impersonal, by-the-book approaches, Thome prioritizes each client’s emotional truth and lived experience. This human-centric lens enables her to build stronger legal narratives—ones that resonate with juries, judges, and employers alike.
Once she has fully understood the story behind the conflict, she builds a legal argument grounded in relevant statutory and case law. But the brilliance of her strategy lies in her ability to find leverage points where law and personal narrative meet.
“My contracts professor taught us about the human elements that coincide with crafting legal strategies,” she says. That lesson became a guiding principle.
It’s this blend of empathy, strategic rigor, and emotional intelligence that makes her practice stand out. Clients don’t just receive legal representation—they’re met with dignity, compassion, and empowerment.
The Power to Heal
What sets Thome apart from most attorneys is her ability to create not just legal change, but personal transformation. Her clients often arrive in tough situations, traumatized and hurt by discrimination, retaliation and/or abuse in the workplace. But the legal journey with Thome frequently becomes a turning point—not just in their careers, but in their lives.
“Right now I’m thinking of two clients who came to me with deep depression and feelings of worthlessness—no will to live,” she says. “Having the ability to take charge and reclaim dignity after feeling no power brought them back to healthy life and workplaces.”
This level of care doesn’t end when the legal matter is closed. Thome often hears from clients months or even years later, grateful not only for the outcome but for the emotional and psychological impact of being heard, seen, and validated.
These victories—quiet, personal, deeply meaningful—are the kind Thome values most.
Driving Systemic Change
Thome’s impact goes far beyond the individual. Her vision for justice has always included institutions, systems, and society at large. Early in her career, she led one of her first landmark victories: Davis v. Hennepin County, where she successfully argued against the claim that public entities were immune under the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
“That was 1994, and I’ve since been holding school districts, cities, counties, and various state and county agencies accountable to workers’ rights.”
But litigation alone was never enough. Thome understood that real change required building supportive communities and infrastructure for others to thrive. She went on to found the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association, creating a safe and empowering network for LGBTQ+ attorneys long before the profession at large was ready to embrace that kind of visibility.
“That institutional legacy still fuels collaboration and visibility across our legal community today.”
She has also worked with organizations like Gender Justice and OutFront MN, building bridges between legal expertise, legislative reform, and grassroots advocacy.
“Collaborating with advocacy coalitions deepens my understanding of how legislation, litigation, and education intersect to create lasting change,” she notes.
Whether through public speaking, policy influence, or mentoring young attorneys, Thome has consistently used her platform to move the profession—and the culture—forward.
Sustainability in a Demanding Field: Balance Through Simplicity
Despite the intensity of her work, Thome maintains a strong sense of self. Her ability to navigate high-stakes, emotionally heavy cases comes in part from her personal grounding strategies.
“The work can be as energizing as it is draining,” she admits. “My go-to are do-it-yourself projects where the change is visual, useful, and present for the long term.”
Tasks like painting a room, fixing a deck, or detailing her car serve as her therapy—giving her control, creativity, and tangible satisfaction in a way few courtroom victories can. It’s this balance that helps her remain focused, calm, and present for every client she serves.
Defining Success Beyond the Courtroom
For Thome, success is not measured solely by winning a case—it’s about restoring humanity to a client’s life.
“True success is when a client who entered our doors stressed and uncertain leaves with restored dignity, renewed confidence, and a belief that their stand changed their life—and perhaps the future for others.”
In a system that often feels cold and transactional, Thome’s focus on emotional and psychological transformation is a radical act. Her clients leave with more than legal victories—they leave with their sense of worth intact.
Adapting to the Future
Thome is not just concerned with the now—she’s deeply focused on what’s coming next. And for employment law, she sees significant disruptions on the horizon.
“The lack of social and in-person work interactions, coupled with robotic communication, will reduce job satisfaction and loyalty,” she warns.
With the rise of remote work and AI integration, workplace culture risks becoming impersonal and isolating. This shift will require new legal frameworks to protect employee engagement, mental health, and rights in digital environments.
She also sees an urgent need for businesses to invest in emotional intelligence, inclusivity, and flexibility to accommodate a workforce increasingly struggling with stress and burnout.
Protecting the Brave
For justice to thrive, systems must support those who speak out. Thome has long advocated for increased funding and capacity for both state and federal labor agencies to educate, monitor, and enforce workplace protections.
“Employers that intimidate and threaten workers against blowing the whistle seem to believe their actions are not in violation—or that workers will be too afraid to act,” she says.
She believes in proactive settlements that go beyond compensation—ones that include training, supervision, and real oversight to prevent future harm.
Guiding the Next Generation
To young attorneys pursuing employment law, Thome offers this essential advice:
“Self-care isn’t optional when your work demands emotional energy. The best lawyers in employment law are those who are the same person at home as they are at the office.”
She encourages new lawyers to build strong, supportive teams, to laugh often, and to stay deeply connected to their core values. Authenticity, she believes, is the fuel for long-term resilience and ethical leadership.
Legacy in Motion
As she reflects on her career, Thome is clear on what she wants to leave behind:
“I hope to be remembered for driving systemic change—building networks like the Minnesota Lavender Bar, mentoring a new wave of fearless advocates, and helping create laws and cultures where every worker knows their voice matters.”
Her legacy isn’t something she hopes for—it’s something she’s already building, every day.
A Legacy of Voice, Vision, and Unshakeable Values
Joni Thome is more than a litigator. She’s an advocate, an educator, a mentor, and a movement builder. Her work reshapes systems, empowers individuals, and redefines what justice looks like in the modern workplace.
In a field that often prioritizes power over people, Thome’s legacy reminds us that true leadership is built on empathy, courage, and relentless pursuit of fairness. Through every battle fought and every voice amplified, she reminds the world that justice—real, lasting, human justice—is worth fighting for.
