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Tom is a well-regarded commercial litigator and advisor who is routinely called upon to manage complex commercial disputes and bankruptcy litigation. With twenty years of experience, Tom has developed the skills necessary to quickly identify issues and advise clients on critical decisions that they are frequently called upon to make on an expedited basis and often with incomplete information. Tom is known for his ability to quickly triage matters, determine and recognize objectives, and develop effective strategies and budgets to help clients bring about sensible and pragmatic business-oriented plans while minimizing risk.

When pre-litigation planning and mitigation is not possible, practical, or preferred, Tom has significant experience pursuing client objectives through litigation. Tom regularly appears and litigates in state and federal courts, including bankruptcy courts, around the country. In his practice, Tom litigates on behalf of businesses and financial institutions as to a variety of business disputes, such as creditors’ rights/enforcement matters, corporate veil piercing claims, successor liability claims, vendor contract disputes, business torts, and civil conspiracy matters. Tom also regularly advises and litigates on behalf of clients regarding commercial leasing and real estate disputes, and counsels businesses regarding legal duties of care owed to employees and consumers. Tom also has significant experience advising corporations as to subpoena and discovery obligations.

Tom’s bankruptcy litigation practice and experience provides a benefit to his creditor clients who suddenly find themselves having to navigate the bankruptcy courts to protect their rights. He regularly handles issues arising from liquidations and reorganizations, as well as adversary proceedings, proofs of claim, preference actions, fraudulent transfers, and lift stay motions. Tom also has experience representing liquidating trustees.

Concentrations

  • Complex commercial litigation and business disputes
  • Bankruptcy litigation and creditors’ rights
  • Real estate litigation
  • Landlord/tenant disputes
  • Financial services workouts and litigation
  • Construction litigation

Capabilities

Recognition & Leadership

  • Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, 2023-2024
    • Litigation - Bankruptcy, 2023-2024
    • Commercial Litigation, 2024
  • Team Member, U.S. News - Best Lawyers®, Best Law Firms Edition, "Law Firm of the Year," Banking & Finance - Litigation, 2017
  • Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Virginia Super Lawyers, "Rising Star," 2008-2019
  • Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers, "Rising Stars," 2013-2019
  • Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia, Class of 2010
  • Member, Bankruptcy Bar Liaison Committee for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
  • President, Northern Virginia Bankruptcy Bar Association
  • Member, Fairfax Bar Association
  • Member, Virginia Bar Association
  • Member, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce
    • Committee Member, Next Generation Council
  • Grade Commissioner, Vienna Youth Inc. Basketball 
  • Member, Standing Committee on Local Bankruptcy Rules for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, 2017-2019

Credentials

Education
  • J.D., The George Washington University Law School
    • Member, George Washington University Law Review
  • B.A., University of Virginia
Admissions
  • District of Columbia
  • Maryland
  • Virginia
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Columbia
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Maryland
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Virginia
  • Supreme Court of the United States