Thomas H. Collier

TOM COLLIER litigates commercial and civil disputes in state and federal courts across the country, serving as a trusted advisor to clients in investment banking and financial services, telecommunications, medical devices, and other industries. Tom has substantial experience in every stage of the litigation process. He has examined witnesses at trial and in depositions, drafted briefs and presented oral argument on dispositive motions, and drafted appellate briefs.

Tom previously clerked for The Honorable Steven C. Seeger of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Before practicing law, Tom worked as a public affairs consultant in Washington, D.C., where he directed successful advocacy campaigns for a Fortune 50 client.

Tom graduated with honors from the University of Chicago Law School. He graduated cum laude from Yale University with a B.A. in political science.

Tom contributes to the firm’s Enhanced Scrutiny blog, in which the Sidley team provides timely updates and thoughtful analysis on M&A and corporate governance matters.

Tom’s representative matters include:

• A special purpose acquisition company in connection with a SEC investigation and litigation brought in Delaware state court arising out of the acquisition of an electric vehicle corporation. Investigation closed in 2023 with no charges against the sponsor. Litigation was dismissed with prejudice on the pleadings, affirmed by the Delaware Supreme Court.
• An oncology company and its officers and directors in securities class action filed in Southern District of New York. Litigation was dismissed on the pleadings, with prejudice.
• A major financial services firm in state False Claims Act litigation in multiple jurisdictions. Won appeal that dismissed one of the pending cases on the basis of an affirmative defense.
• A major accounting firm in federal securities class action and related direct action and derivative lawsuits. Won summary judgment on one high-value claim and partial summary judgment on another, which narrowed the class.
• A major telecommunications company in tax enforcement actions in Missouri state court. Won complete dismissal of one action at the pleadings stage.
• A client in contract dispute related to multi-billion dollar bankruptcy proceeding. Obtained defense and counterclaim victory in arbitration and victories at the bankruptcy court, district court, and court of appeals.
• A Power 5 NCAA athletic conference in litigation against a member university regarding disciplinary action imposed for the university football program’s violations of conference rules and policies.
• A retailer and its board of directors in connection with merger litigation in Delaware state court.

Tom maintains an active pro bono practice in areas including prisoner rights and federal habeas litigation. He successfully negotiated a settlement in a Section 1983 lawsuit alleging violation of constitutional rights arising from excessive force. He successfully obtained opportunity for an evidentiary hearing on key claims for an Alabama death row inmate in federal post-conviction relief proceedings.