Tom has served as chairman of Thompson Coburn for 16 years, leading the firm through a period of growth and nationwide expansion. As a legal advisor to some of the region's largest companies for more than 30 years, Tom has helped executives pursue fundamental change for their own organizations and achieve high-level strategic objectives.
Tom takes an executive's approach to the practice of law. He communicates clearly and simply, distills complex information into actionable items, and negotiates thoughtfully and efficiently to achieve win-win results in high-stakes transactions. He has served as lead outside counsel to Enterprise Holdings as it has become the world's largest rental car company; to Barry-Wehmiller as it has grown into the largest packaging machinery manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere; and to UniGroup, the parent of United Van Lines and Mayflower, as it has become America's largest household goods moving business. Tom frequently draws on his own experience as the leader of a $200 million business to counsel executives on a full range of issues, ranging from corporate expansions to shareholder issues to executive personnel decisions. He also helps them develop their own business networks.
Repeatedly recognized as a St. Louis Lawyer of the Year in multiple fields by The Best Lawyers in America©, Tom has led major transactions across the country involving business acquisitions and dispositions, joint ventures, shareholder relations and redemptions, private placements, corporate restructurings, commercial financings and asset securitizations. As clients reported to Chambers USA, which has recognized Tom as a top-tier Corporate/M&A attorney, he has a "substantial depth of experience across the spectrum" and does a "great job of marshalling the resources of the firm to meet our needs."
Tom is also a recognized leader in the St. Louis civic and charitable community and devotes significant time and resources to a wide range of organizations dedicated to education, health care, the arts, youth activities and economic development.
