Southern Illinois University School of Law,
J.D., 1979
Southern Illinois University,
B.S. in Administration of Justice, 1976
Illinois
Missouri
Illinois USDC, Central District
Illinois USDC, Northern District
Illinois USDC, Southern District
Missouri USDC, Eastern District
US Ct Appeals, 7th Circuit (Covers IL, IN, WI)
US Ct Appeals, 8th Circuit (Covers AR, IA, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD)
US Supreme Ct
National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel
Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel
Illinois Bar Association
Missouri Bar Association
St. Clair County Bar Association
BAMSL
American College of Trial Lawyers
Fellow
Litigation Counsel of America
Fellow
Named Lawyer of the Year for Railroad Law in St. Louis by Best Lawyers, (BL Rankings) 2015
Listed in The Best Lawyers in America, (by BL Rankings) 2008-2021
Listed in Illinois Super Lawyers, (by Thomson Reuters) 2008-2021
Union Pacific Railroad
Outstanding Service Award, 2014
Thompson Coburn LLP
Partner, 2000-Present
Walker & Williams, P.C.
Partner, 1986-2000
Associate, 1981-1986
Mitchell, Brandon & Schmidt
Associate, 1979-1981
Tom has achieved significant results for clients facing major litigation in state and federal courts across the region. He has tried in excess of 200 civil jury trials as lead attorney and led successful appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th and 8th Circuits, Illinois Supreme Court, Illinois Appellate Court for the 1st, 4th and 5th Districts and Missouri Court of Appeals for the Eastern and Southern Districts.
Tom serves as primary trial counsel for railroads in personal injury suits filed in high-risk jurisdictions throughout Missouri and Illinois. He taps his extensive knowledge of railroad operations to lead an aggressive defense of cases filed under FELA and railroad grade crossing litigation. His track record of defense verdicts and successful settlements has made him a go-to attorney for railroads facing serious injury or fatality claims across the Midwest.
Over his 40-year career, he has built solid relationships with judges and opposing counsel in the area. Outside the railroad industry, Tom has defended medical and construction companies in personal injury litigation. He also represents clients in product liability claims.
A faculty member and former chair of the Illinois Defense Counsel Trial Academy, Tom is a speaker on trial strategy and techniques in programs led by the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel and the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel.
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