Tom is the former Co-Chair of the Franchise, Distribution and Intellectual Property group at Monroe Moxness Berg PA and is "Of Counsel" to the firm.  With more than 43 years experience in franchise and distribution, international expansion, business planning, intellectual property, and general corporate and business law, Tom has worked with regional and national franchisors and businesses in virtually every industry including:

• Restaurants                            

• Retail Furniture

• Automotive

• Employment Services

• Hair Care

• Business Services

• Home Services

• Leasing

• Real Estate

• Mortgage Financing

• Information Technology

• Health Care

• Hotels

• Convenience Stores

Acting as legal counsel for franchisors, businesses and associations, Tom advises clients on contract negotiation, the structuring of distribution systems, mergers and acquisitions, compliance with federal and state franchise, distribution and anti-trust laws, business and franchise financing (debt and equity), intellectual property, and state and federal laws.

With his wealth of knowledge and expertise, Tom is a frequent lecturer and author on business, franchising and financing subjects. He has spoken on franchising and distribution topics for:

• The International Franchise Association

• The American Bar Association Forum on Franchising

• The Minnesota State Bar Association

• The Minnesota Institute of Legal Education

• The University of St. Thomas

• The Franchise Finance and Development Conference

• The Restaurant Finance and Development Conference

• Various business and civic groups

A member of the Vet Fran Committee and Legal/Legislative Committee of the International Franchise Association and the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, Tom formerly served on the Advisory Board of the University of St. Thomas Institute for Franchise Management.

Tom is listed in The Best Lawyers in America and The International Who's Who of Business Lawyers.   He also has been honored as a "Super Lawyer" by Minnesota Law & Politics and named as one of franchising's top 125 "Legal Eagles" by Franchise Times.

A graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School (1965), Tom earned his B.S.C. degree at DePaul University (Chicago, Illinois).  He is admitted to practice law before the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of International Trade, the United States Court of Appeals (8th Circuit), the United States District Court (Minnesota) and the Minnesota Supreme Court. 

Tom is a veteran of the Marine Corps and is an active member in the Marine Corps League.  He is a mentor at New Beginnings School which is supported by the Marine Corps League and modeled after the Marine Corps boot camp.