Biography
Tom has more than 35 years of experience in the litigation and arbitration of complex cases. He advises clients on legal matters including construction contract negotiation, claims analysis and presentation, and, labor and OSHA disputes.
Prior to joining Poyner Spruill, Tom served as Assistant Attorney General of the North Carolina Department of Justice, Highway Division.
Areas of Focus
+Construction
Traylor Brothers Construction Company v. North Carolina Department of Transportation (Wake County Superior Court) (2002): obtained $5.5 million settlement for client on a bridge construction project.
Royal Plus, Inc. v. FRS, Inc, et al (Mecklenburg Superior Court, 2013).
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- Obtained $500,000 settlement for plaintiff on a claim for breach of contract for restoration services.
+Occupational Health & Safety
Commission of Labor v. ABF Freight Systems, Inc. (Wake County Superior Court) (2002): successfully appealed an adverse OSHA administrative decision regarding loading procedures, creating savings to the client of $1 million per year.
Visit our Occupational Health & Safety page ▶+Litigation
Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc. v. North Carolina Department of Administration, Division of Purchase and Contract (2014).
- Successfully represented plaintiff in the Bid Protest of an award by Public Safety Purchasing and Logistics of a contact for youth care services.
- Successfully represented the Department as Special Counsel in an action to condemn property needed for the Western Wake Expressway.
North Carolina Department of Transportation v. Triangle Brick Co. (Wake County Superior Court) (2005): obtained $3.2 million settlement for client in a condemnation action.
North Carolina Department of Transportation Turnpike Authority v. G. G. Kelly et ux, et al (Wake County Superior Court, 2010).
Visit our Litigation page ▶Credentials
+Certifications & Specializations
Certified Superior Court Mediator and District Court Arbitrator
+Education
Wake Forest University School of Law, J.D.
North Carolina State University, B.A., with Honors in History
+Notable Accomplishments
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® (Commercial Litigation) 2023
Ranked among Law & Politics magazine’s North Carolina “Super Lawyers,” (Litigation) 2006 – 2008
Listed in Who’s Who in American Law, 19th Edition
+Professional & Community Activities
North Carolina Pro Bono Society
North Carolina Supreme Court Historical Society, Past President, Chair of the Board of Trustees
Wake County Bar Association, Past President
10th Judicial District Bar Association, Past President
National Conference of Bar Presidents, Inc.
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Member Board of Directors
Elder and Member of Session, White Memorial Presbyterian Church
Amicus Curiae Award (Friend of the Court), from the Supreme Court of N.C. (2019)
Listed among U.S. News Best Lawyers (2022)
+Speaking & Writing
Author, Construction Law Settlement and Negotiation, Aspatore Books, 2007
Author, Construction Contracts with North Carolina Department of Transportation, 2004
Contributing Editor, North Carolina Administrative Law Guide, Business Law Resources, Inc., 1996
Supplement Editor, Construction Litigation: Strategies and Techniques, Wiley Law Publishing, 1993
