For approaching 40 years in practice at Shumaker, Tom has served as a trusted advisor and strong advocate for clients involved in all types of complex commercial litigation. Clients value his ability to understand their unique outlook and goals in any business dispute, and his results-oriented approach to finding the most pragmatic, cost-effective solutions for their problems.
Tom is regularly involved in pre-suit counseling and dispute resolution and, when necessary, formal mediation, arbitration, or trial. He has extensive experience in the drafting, reviewing, and enforcement of confidentiality, non-compete, and other restrictive covenant agreements, as well as separation agreements. His practice includes all variety of real property litigation and disputes, lender liability claims, shareholder disputes, as well restrictive covenant and other employment related litigation.
Tom serves as co-Conflicts Counsel for Shumaker, as well as Special Counsel for the Tampa office under Shumaker's General Counsel.
Tom has been a devoted supporter and member of the Board of Directors of The MacDonald Training Center for more than 25 years, serving as Chairman of the Board on multiple occasions. When he is not working, Tom enjoys scuba diving, playing golf, running, and spending time with his wife and their two adult children, as well as Sam, their golden retriever.
Education
J.D., Ohio State University College of Law, 1985
B.A., Ohio State University, 1982
Professional Associations
- Florida Bar Association
- Hillsborough County Bar Association
- MacDonald Training Center Properties, Inc., Chairman
- Tampa Jewish Family Services, Vice President of Governance, 2018-present
- Leadership Tampa Alumni (Class of 2001)
- Hillel Academy, Board of Directors, 2004-2009
- Congregation Schaarai Zedek, Board of Directors, 2006-2009
Honors
- AV® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell
- Best Lawyers in America, 2014-2024
Representative Matters
- Secured summary judgment in favor of a horse show promoter in a federal anti-trust action alleging restraint of trade and monopolization in violation of the Sherman Act and the Florida State Antitrust Act, and the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, with the District Court's summary judgment affirmed by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals
- Represented a national photocopier/office machine distributor in lawsuits throughout the United Sates for claims of breach of contract, deceptive trade practices, and restrictive covenant violations
- Represented former executives for national construction equipment rental company in resolution of federal court action asserting claims for unfair competition and violation of restrictive covenants
- Successfully defended national bank at trial in connection with lender liability counterclaims arising out of multiple foreclosures
- Represented numerous lending institutions in contested residential and commercial mortgage foreclosure actions, obtaining final judgments of foreclosure at trial and upon successful rulings on summary judgment motions