As an experienced trial attorney, Tom’s practice encompasses all areas of civil and commercial litigation with a focus on aviation-related and insurance coverage matters.

Tom has significant experience representing both domestic and foreign air carriers in aviation litigation, including personal injury matters, commercial disputes, and cases arising from aircraft damage. Tom also advises clients on compliance with FAA, U.S. customs, and DOT regulations, contract interpretation, the application of the Warsaw and Montreal Conventions, other international treaties, and U.S. aviation statutes. Additionally, he has advised foreign clients on the application of New York law to commercial disputes.

Recently, Tom represented aviation insurers in major insurance coverage disputes arising from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including appearing in actions brought in New York, Connecticut, and California, and consulting with fellow counsel on the impact of related litigation pending domestically, as well as in the UK and Ireland.

Tom handles all aspects of aviation litigation from inception to resolution and has experience in defending air carriers as well as bringing actions on their behalf in matters involving damage to aircraft. His experience in mediations, arbitrations, and trial allow him to seek creative and efficient solutions for his clients when possible. Tom’s extensive courtroom experience as both an aviation litigator and previously as an Assistant District Attorney give his clients confidence if a matter must be litigated to trial. Tom practices in both federal and state court and was recognized as a “Rising Star” in the field of Aviation and Aerospace by New York Super Lawyers (2019).

Prior to joining the firm, Tom served as an Assistant District Attorney in Bronx County, where he presented hundreds of cases to grand juries, investigated serious felony charges, and tried multiple cases to jury verdicts. As a senior prosecutor in the Trial Division, Tom investigated and prosecuted serious violent felonies that garnered significant press attention. He was also responsible for the litigation of evolving issues in the law, including the use of search warrants to obtain cellular data and the admissibility of expert testimony regarding eyewitness identifications.

Tom served as a judicial intern for the Honorable Eric N. Vitaliano of the Eastern District of New York and at the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, the New York City Department of Investigation and the U.S. Air Force JAG Corps. He graduated from Brooklyn Law School with honors, where he was a Notes and Comments Editor for the Brooklyn Journal of International Law and Vice President of the Moot Court Honor Society.  Tom is active in the New York City and American Bar Associations.