Tom Jones has achieved significant results for clients facing major litigation in state and federal courts across the region. He has tried in excess of 200 civil jury trials as lead attorney and led successful appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th and 8th Circuits, Illinois Supreme Court, Illinois Appellate Court for the 1st, 4th and 5th Districts and Missouri Court of Appeals for the Eastern and Southern Districts.

Tom served as primary trial counsel for railroads in personal injury suits filed in high-risk jurisdictions throughout Missouri and Illinois. He tapped his extensive knowledge of railroad operations to lead an aggressive defense of cases filed under FELA and railroad grade crossing litigation. His track record of defense verdicts and successful settlements had made him a go-to attorney for railroads facing serious injury or fatality claims across the Midwest.

Over his 40-year career, he has built solid relationships with judges and opposing counsel in the area. Outside the railroad industry, Tom has defended medical and construction companies in personal injury litigation. He also represents clients in product liability claims.

A faculty member and former chair of the Illinois Defense Counsel Trial Academy, Tom was a speaker on trial strategy and techniques in programs led by the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel and the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel.

  • Southern Illinois University School of Law, J.D., 1979
  • Southern Illinois University, B.S., 1976

  • National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel
  • Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel
  • Illinois Bar Association
  • Missouri Bar Association
  • St. Clair County Bar Association
  • BAMSL
  • Member, Trial Law Institute
  • Member, Diversity Law Institute
  • Barrister, Order of Centurions

  • American College of Trial Lawyers
    Fellow
  • Litigation Counsel of America
    Senior Fellow
  • Named Lawyer of the Year for Railroad Law in St. Louis by Best Lawyers, (BL Rankings) 2015
  • Listed in The Best Lawyers in America, (by BL Rankings) 2008-2024
  • Listed in Illinois Super Lawyers, (by Thomson Reuters) 2008-2022
  • Union Pacific Railroad
    Outstanding Service Award, 2014

  • Thompson Coburn LLP
    Partner, 2000-2023
  • Walker & Williams, P.C.
    Partner, 1986-2000
    Associate, 1981-1986
  • Mitchell, Brandon & Schmidt
    Associate, 1979-1981