Tom is a seasoned attorney with more than 25 years of practice in Ohio’s transportation industry. Joining Kegler Brown after more than 31 years of public service in state and local government as a lawyer and manager, Tom is also a registered Professional Engineer in Ohio, holds an MBA, and is a Certified Public Purchasing Officer (in retirement status). He focuses his practice primarily in the areas of construction, real estate, litigation, and issues involving state and local governments.
With an extensive practical background and education in engineering, and previous work experience with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), Tom leverages his unique perspective to provide useful insights for the benefit of his clients. At ODOT, Tom worked in a multitude of capacities, including as a transportation engineer, as the Administrator for the Office of Contract Sales and Estimating, and as Deputy Chief Legal Counsel. Tom also spent four years as an Assistant Attorney General in the Transportation section of the Ohio Attorney General’s office.
Professional Licensing + Certification Defense
Tom represents clients before boards and commissions seeking to discipline license holders in Ohio. Tom has significant experience in dealing with the Ohio Board of Professional Engineers & Surveyors. Tom also regularly works with small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses to help them obtain and maintain their certifications.
Real Estate, Transportation + Eminent Domain
Tom counsels public and private clients on complex transactions, including engineering and construction contract issues, real estate acquisition and matters involving eminent domain.
Litigation + Mediation
From construction disputes to personal injury litigation, Tom represents clients in all forms of disputes, including traditional commercial and civil litigation, project-level claims management, and alternative means of resolution like arbitration and mediation. He understands the costs and benefits of bringing a lawsuit in a particular case, and has the fortitude and skill needed to achieve a favorable outcome.
- Capital University Law School (JD, 1999)
- Magna cum laude
- Franklin University (MBA, 2016)
- The Ohio State University, College of Engineering (BS, 1993)
- Wharton School of Business Online Certification: Leadership in the 21st Century (2019)
- Ohio
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
- NCHRP Project Panel Reviewer: 2020-Present
- Transportation Research Board (TRB) Friend: 2020-Present
- Ohio Department of Transportation, DRB/DRA panelist + project facilitator
- American Arbitration Association, certified arbitrator
- American Council of Engineering Companies, affiliated member
- Columbus Bar Association, member
- National Institute of Government Purchasing, Certified Public Purchasing Officer, Retired
- Judicial Extern for the late Honorable John D. Holschuh, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
- Judicial Extern for the Honorable John P. Bessey, Franklin County Court of Common Pleas
- Hilliard City Planning and Zoning Commission, Member, 2018-2021
Frequent presenter on Engineering Ethics
