Tom Brooks is an experienced litigator, trial counsel and arbitrator with a broad background in civil litigation, arbitration, mediation, government investigations and contested regulatory proceedings. He has experience in a variety of frequently complex matters involving contractual disputes, fraud, fiduciary breaches, lender liability, tax shelters, malpractice, securities, futures and insurance coverage, among other areas. Representing both plaintiffs and defendants, Mr. Brooks has practiced at both the trial and appellate level in federal, state and bankruptcy courts nationwide, as well as in both domestic and international arbitrations and mediations. His experience covers a wide range of contexts, including the financial and accounting industries, real estate ventures, partnership disputes, corporate mergers and acquisitions, pharmaceuticals and utilities.

Along with being an advocate, Mr. Brooks also serves as a neutral arbitrator in commercial, financial and other matters, and has a mediator certification. Prior to joining Sperling & Slater in 2000, he was an associate with the Chicago office of Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue, having also worked as a journalist in the U.S. and England before attending law school.

Education

• Northwestern University School of Law (J.D. 1995)
  • cum laude
  • Articles editor, Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology
• Yale University (B.A. in Philosophy 1988)

Admissions

• State of Illinois
• Trial Bar, United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
• United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

Arbitration Rosters

Mr. Brooks is on the roster of arbitrators for the following organizations:

• FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority)
• NFA (National Futures Association)
• Cook County Mandatory Arbitration Program

Memberships and Professional Affiliations

• Chicago Bar Association
• Illinois State Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• Association for Conflict Resolution