Tom is a well-regarded commercial litigator and advisor who is routinely called upon to manage complex commercial disputes and bankruptcy litigation. With over 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
Recognition & Leadership
Awards & Accolades
•Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, 2023-2026
•Listed, 'Lawyer of the Year,' Litigation - Bankruptcy, Washington, D.C., 2025
•Litigation - Bankruptcy, 2023-2026
•Commercial Litigation, 2024-2026
•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
AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him
or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.
Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely
respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.
Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.
