Thomas M. Debevoise

Thomas M. Debevoise (August 10, 1929 – February 1, 1995) was a Vermont attorney who served as Vermont Attorney General from 1960 to 1962.

Thomas McElrath Debevoise 2d was born in New York City on August 10, 1929. He was the son of prominent attorney Eli Whitney Debevoise, and the grandson and namesake of Thomas M. Debevoise (1874-1958), who was the longtime attorney for John D. Rockefeller. He received a bachelor's degree from Yale University in 1950, and a law degree from Columbia Law School in 1954.

After attaining admission to the bar, Debevoise was an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York from 1954 to 1956. He relocated to , and practiced law for two years before becoming Deputy Attorney General for the state of Vermont, a post he held from 1959 to 1960. While in private practice, he assisted James B. Donovan in the defense of accused spy Rudolf Abel.

In February 1960, Robert Stafford, the Governor of Vermont, appointed Debevoise to serve as state Attorney General, filling the vacancy caused when incumbent Frederick M. Reed resigned. Debevoise won election to a full term as a Republican in November 1960, and served until resigning in January 1962. He was succeeded by Charles J. Adams.

From 1962 to 1964, Debevoise was assistant general counsel for the Federal Power Commission. He then returned to the practice of law.

From 1974 to 1982, Debevoise was Dean of Vermont Law School. He became Dean Emeritus in 1982, and served as trustee emeritus from 1983 to 1995. In 1984 Vermont Law School awarded him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.

Debevoise was president of the Woodstock Foundation from 1982 to 1995; this organization was founded by Laurance Rockefeller and Mary French Rockefeller to promote conservation and sustainable land use. He was also involved in several civic causes and took part in local government, including service on Woodstock's board of selectmen.

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