Tommy is a partner and the regional practice coordinator of the firm's labor and employment group. Since 1983, he has concentrated his practice in the representation of management in labor and employment law matters, and in the defense of civil rights issues. His practice includes multiple party or class action matters involving a wide array of employment issues. During 20+ years of practice, Tommy has maintained an active trial practice including numerous jury trials in the Federal Court system and numerous arbitrations regarding the interpretation of collective bargaining agreements. Tommy has represented employers in Title VII, ADEA, ADA, FLSA, FMLA, OSHA and ERISA cases, as well as cases involving the NLRA and LMRA. He also has litigated a variety of cases arising under the United States Constitution. He is among a select group of lawyers, recognized in the category of Employment: Mainly Defendant, listed in a nationwide client survey published in Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers for Business.

• University of Mississippi, J.D., with distinction, 1983; Assistant Editor, Mississippi Law Journal; Recipient,Phi Delta Phi Award and the Bowling Labor Law Award
• Millsaps College, B.B.A., 1979

• Member: The Mississippi Bar; Hinds County Bar Association; American Bar Association (Litigation Section and Labor and Employment Law Section); Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association (President, 1996); Defense Research Institute; International Association of Defense Counsel (Chairman Employment Law Committee, 2005)

• Representation of one of the world's largest auto manufacturers in a multiple employee defense case involving the NLRA and ERISA preemption. The case involved over 120 employees who voluntarily elected severance pay, but sued when market conditions improved and the employer began re-hiring several years later and refused to re-hire the plaintiffs. At trial, the firm's client received a defense verdict from the jury that led to a settlement agreement with the remaining 120+ plaintiffs.
• Representation of a sporting goods manufacturer in a multi-party case involving alleged race discrimination. At trial, the firm's client received a defense verdict as to all plaintiffs.
• Representation of one of the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of wood and paper products in an age discrimination case involving two high ranking management officials who claimed they were selected for a reduction-in-force because of their age. At trial, the firm's client received a defense verdict from the jury on all counts against the company.

• Frequent speaker and author for numerous groups and publications.
• "1982: Mississippi Supreme Court Review: Administrative Law," 53 Mississippi Law Journal 113 (1983).
• "Constitutional Law - Discriminatory Vote Dilution - Purposeful Discrimination May be Inferred from the Totality of the Circumstances," 51 Mississippi Law Journal 865 (1981).