A Member of Stoll Keenon Ogden’s Louisville office since 1995, Tom serves as Co-Chair of the Arbitration & Mediation practice. He is also part of the Labor, Employment & Employee Benefits practice.
Tom has earned multiple distinctions for his professional accomplishments and community contributions. He is a past President of the Louisville Bar Association and has been recognized by Chambers USA as a “Leader in Kentucky.” According to the publication, he is “an extremely professional lawyer who treats each of his clients as if they’re number one.” In 2011, for his efforts in creating Thomas Merton Square and success in other civic endeavors, he was named Louisville Peacemaker of the Year by the Interfaith Paths to Peace.
Arbitration & Mediation: Tom approaches all disputes with the goal of securing a fair and equitable course of action and works to guide all parties to an agreement, without the expense and delay of litigation.
Labor, Employment & Employee Benefits: With more than 20 years of experience in this field, Tom offers a full scope of services that range from arbitration of collective bargaining agreements to counseling on workers’ compensation matters. He is a frequent lecturer, trainer and writer on employment law topics.
Public Benefit Corporation Services: Tom advises existing Public Benefit Corporations on various aspects of governance and compliance. He also occupies a unique position in the community that enables him to counsel new and existing businesses as they explore whether B Corporation status is appropriate for their needs.
Alcohol & Hospitality: Tom helps clients understand and navigate labor and employment matters specific to the beverage, hotel and travel industries.
Recognition
• AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®
• Best Lawyers®, Lawyer of the Year, 2016, 2020
• Best Lawyers®, Employment Law — Management, and Litigation — Labor and Employment, 2015-present
• Top 50 Kentucky Super Lawyers®, 2017
• Kentucky Super Lawyers® Honoree, 2007-2022
• Chambers USA, Leading Lawyer for Business, Labor & Employment, 2014-2017
• Louisville Magazine Top Lawyer, Labor & Employment Law, 2012; Labor & Employment Law-Defense, 2013 and 2014
• "Louisville Peacemaker of the Year" Award, 2011
• University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, Dean’s Service Award, 2009
• Advanced a local ordinance naming "Thomas Merton Square" in downtown Louisville, 2008
• "Spirit of Yes" Award from Leadership Louisville, 2003
• Award for Professional Excellence, Louisville Society for Human Resources Management, 2002
• Advanced congressional legislation creating an inscription at the Lincoln Memorial for Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, 2000. The inscription was dedicated on the 40th anniversary of the dream speech in August 2003.
Work Highlights
Violations of Agreements and Restrictive Covenants
SKO represented a provider of specialty patient care equipment that sued a consultant and its consulting business after an agreed upon Asset Purchase Agreement and Consulting Agreement’s restrictive covenants had been violated by the consultant. The provider sued for both monetary damages and injunctive relief. The Jefferson Circuit Court granted the provider’s motion for a temporary injunction against the consultant under the Consulting Agreement, but denied the motion for a temporary injunction against the consultant under the Asset Purchase Agreement. Because the Asset Purchase Agreement provided greater injunctive protection, the provider filed an interlocutory appeal pursuant to CR 65.07. The Kentucky Court of Appeals agreed with the provider that the Jefferson Circuit Court had erred in denying injunctive relief under the Asset Purchase Agreement, and reversed the Jefferson Circuit Court’s decision on that issue. This was a notable decision because the standard of review for a party seeking interlocutory relief from a trial court’s decision to grant or deny a temporary injunction is a clear abuse of discretion.
Related Practices: Labor, Employment & Employee Benefits, Business Litigation, Appellate
Kentucky Civil Rights Act & Disability Discrimination
Successfully represented a company and one of its executives against claims by plaintiff for alleged disability discrimination, retaliation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. SKO represented the company during investigations by the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. After the EEOC found no wrongdoing, the plaintiff filed claims in the Pulaski Circuit Court. After three years of litigation, we obtained summary judgment dismissing all claims. SKO then successfully represented the company on appeal. The Kentucky Court of Appeals affirmed the Pulaski Circuit Court's order dismissing all claims and denied the Plaintiff's petition for a rehearing.
Related Practices: Labor, Employment & Employee Benefits, Business Litigation
News
118 SKO Attorneys Named to “2023 U.S. News Best Lawyers® in America”, Aug. 18, 2022
SKO Attorneys Selected to 2022 Kentucky Super Lawyers, Jan. 6, 2022
77 STOLL KEENON OGDEN ATTORNEYS HONORED IN “BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA” 2022 Edition, Aug. 19, 2021
THOMAS M. WILLIAMS AND MICHAEL TIERNEY PRESENTED “SKO U” CLE ON WED., JUNE 16, 12 P.M. EST, June 15, 2021
Member Tom Williams featured in video, Apr. 5, 2021
KENTUCKY SUPER LAWYERS RECOGNIZES 39 STOLL KEENON OGDEN ATTORNEYS, Dec. 11, 2020
73 Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC attorneys are recognized in the 2021 edition of the Best Lawyers in America®, one of the most respected legal peer-review guides in the world., Aug. 20, 2020
COVID-19’s Impact on Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Kentucky and Indiana, Apr. 17, 2020
One Of My Employees Has Tested Positive For COVID-19. What Now?, Apr. 16, 2020
Kentucky Super Lawyers Recognizes 47 Stoll Keenon Ogden Attorneys, Nov. 27, 2019
Kentucky Super Lawyers Recognizes 52 Stoll Keenon Ogden Attorneys, Dec. 11, 2018
SKO Attorneys Recognized Among 2019 Best Lawyers in America, Aug. 15, 2018
SKO Attorneys Recognized Among Best Lawyers in America, Aug. 16, 2017
Becoming a B Corp Benefits More Than the Greater Community, June 28, 2017
SKO Attorneys and Practices Earn High Marks from Chambers and Partners, May 26, 2017
Five SKO Attorneys Recognized Among Top 50 Kentucky Super Lawyers, Nov. 18, 2016
Best Lawyers in America Chooses 61 SKO Attorneys for 2017 Publication, Aug. 30, 2016
SKO’s Tom Williams is among Louisville Delegation to Speak “Compassion” with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, June 24, 2016
Chambers USA Recognizes 24 SKO Attorneys, Feb. 22, 2016
Lea Pauley Goff and Richard G. Griffith named among Top 50 Kentucky Super Lawyers, Nov. 30, 2015
Hundreds Gather At Louisville Mosque To Paint Over Hateful Graffiti, Sep. 21, 2015
SKO Attorneys Named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers®, Aug. 17, 2015
SKO Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America® 2016, Aug. 17, 2015
28 SKO Attorneys Recognized by Chambers USA 2015, Apr. 1, 2015
Kentucky Super Lawyers Recognizes 57 Stoll Keenon Ogden Attorneys, Nov. 24, 2014
Celebrating Compassion in Louisville, Aug. 21, 2014
SKO Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America® 2015, Aug. 18, 2014
33 SKO Attorneys Named “Top Lawyer” by Louisville Magazine, Mar. 25, 2014
25 SKO Attorneys Recognized by Chambers USA 2014, Mar. 12, 2014
Kentucky Super Lawyers Recognizes 42 Stoll Keenon Ogden Attorneys, Nov. 26, 2013
SKO Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America® 2014, Aug. 19, 2013
22 SKO Attorneys Recognized by Chambers USA 2013, June 5, 2013
34 SKO Attorneys Names “Top Lawyer” by Louisville Magazine, Mar. 5, 2013
22 SKO Attorneys Recognized by Chambers USA 2013, Feb. 10, 2013
61 SKO Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America® 2013, Sep. 7, 2012
Kentucky Super Lawyers Recognizes 31 Stoll Keenon Ogden Attorneys, July 20, 2012
SKO Attorney, Tom Williams, Receives Jack Olive International Heart of Compassion Award, Apr. 10, 2012
SKO Attorneys Recognized by Chambers USA 2012, Feb. 28, 2012
53 SKO Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America® 2012, Sep. 6, 2011
SKO Attorney Tom M. Williams Named “Louisville Peacemaker of the Year”, Aug. 1, 2011
Kentucky Super Lawyers Recognizes 25 SKO Attorneys, July 25, 2011
SKO Attorneys Ranked in Chambers USA 2011, June 10, 2011
SKO Attorneys Recognized by Chambers USA 2011, Mar. 16, 2011
53 SKO Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America® 2011, Aug. 6, 2010
26 SKO Attorneys Recognized by Kentucky Super Lawyers, July 28, 2010
SKO Attorneys Recognized by Chambers USA, June 14, 2010
SKO Attorneys Recognized by Chambers USA 2010, Apr. 15, 2010
Tom Williams Selected for Leadership Louisville Center Connector Project, Mar. 9, 2010
Kentucky Super Lawyers Recognizes 27 SKO Attorneys, Aug. 15, 2009
SKO Attorneys Recognized by Chambers USA 2009, June 15, 2009
Two SKO Attorneys Selected for the 25th Leadership Kentucky Class, Apr. 15, 2009
Thomas M. Williams Elected 2009 Board Chairman of the Leadership Louisville Center, Apr. 15, 2009
Kentucky Super Lawyers Recognizes 26 SKO Attorneys, July 29, 2008
Lawyers Honored by Chambers USA, June 19, 2008
39 SKO Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America, Sep. 19, 2007
Kentucky Super Lawyers Recognizes 24 SKO Attorneys, June 19, 2007
Thomas M. Williams named 2007 President of Louisville Bar Association, Feb. 15, 2007
Louisville Magazine Recognizes SKO Attorneys as Best Lawyers in America, Mar. 15, 2006
Publications
U.S. Supreme Court Rules Title VII Prohibits Discrimination Against LGBT Employees, June 17, 2020
Re-opening Kentucky and Indiana’s Economies: A Summary, Apr. 29, 2020
The Small Business Bankruptcy Reorganization Act; This New Law May Be Getting Lots of Attention, Apr. 6, 2020
New Department of Labor FAQs Provide More Clarity on Upcoming Paid Leave Requirements, Apr. 1, 2020
Kentucky and Indiana Unemployment Insurance Information and Resource, Mar. 26, 2020
Families First Coronavirus Response Act Signed Into Law, Mar. 19, 2020
Sixth Circuit Holds: Contract Provision Shortening Title VII Statutory Limitations Period is Unenforceable, Nov. 6, 2019
Misclassification of Workers as Independent Contractors Not a Violation of Federal Labor Law, Sep. 16, 2019
Employees May Take FMLA Leave For Medical Parent/Teacher Conferences, Sep. 11, 2019
NLRB Overrules Precedent: Property Owners May Exclude Off-Duty Contractor Employees From Premises, Sep. 4, 2019
Federal Appeals Court Finds the EEOC’s Criminal Background Check Guidance Unenforceable, Aug. 12, 2019
Kentucky Court of Appeals: Non-Lawyers May No Longer Represent Employers During Unemployment Proceedings, May 1, 2019
Kentucky Clarifies Accommodations for Pregnant Workers, Apr. 17, 2019
Senate Bill 7 Restores Kentucky’s Approval of Employment Arbitration Agreements, Mar. 15, 2019
Kentucky Employers Can’t Enforce Arbitration Agreements Required for Employment, Oct. 18, 2018
New NLRB rulemaking may change the joint-employer standard, Oct. 4, 2018
In Landmark Decision, U.S. Supreme Court Strikes Down Mandatory Union Fees, July 19, 2018
Five Reasons to Contact Your Labor and Employment Lawyer Now, Jan. 11, 2018
The Loan Zone: Curing Late Payments on Loans From Qualified Employer Retirement Plans, Nov. 29, 2017
Labor Secretary Confirms June 9, 2017, Effective Date for Investment Advice Conflict of Interest Rule, June 2, 2017
Is Your Website ADA Compliant?, May 17, 2017
U.S. Department of Labor to review investment advice conflict of interest rule, Mar. 24, 2017
Federal Court Blocks New Overtime Regulation, Nov. 23, 2016
Kentucky Supreme Court Strikes Down Local Minimum Wage Ordinance, Oct. 24, 2016
Freedom Still a ‘Dream’, Aug. 20, 2013
Seminars
Young Professionals Association of Louisville, Develop Series: The Key to Negotiations, PNC/Paycor Department of Labor Overtime Seminar
Fellowship of Reconciliation Monthly Luncheon, Compassionate City Initiative Update, Sept. 15, 2011
Leadership Louisville 2012 Class, Connector Project and Social Capital Update, Sept. 13, 2011
Annual Legal Update, Society for Human Resources Management, 2005 to 2008
Affiliations
• Louisville Bar Association, President, 2007
• American Bar Association, Employment Rights and Responsibilities subcommittee, 1998-present
• Louisville Society for Human Resources Management
• Restorative Justice Louisville, Inc., Founding Board Member
• Canopy, Inc., Board Chair, 2018-2019
• Charter for Compassion, Board Member, 2017-2020, Executive Committee, 2018-2019
• Partnership for a Compassionate Louisville, Co-Chair, 2011
• Leadership Louisville "Connector," 2010
• Leadership Kentucky, 2009
• Leadership Louisville, Board Chair, 2009, Programs Chair, 2007-2008
• Interfaith Paths to Peace, Board Member, 2008-present
• Thomas Merton Institute, Board Member, 2008-present
• Bingham Fellows, 2004, 2018
• Leadership Louisville, 2003
