Early Life and Education

Tom was born in Birmingham, Alabama. He attended the University of Alabama, where he demonstrated exceptional dedication by working multiple jobs to finance his own college education. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration in just three years, graduating with distinction in 1995. His academic excellence was recognized when he the University honored him as the Most Outstanding Undergraduate in Finance and Economics.

Academic Pursuits and Early Career

Following his undergraduate studies, Tom briefly ventured into the finance industry as a loan officer. However, his passion for understanding the intricacies of law led him to pursue legal studies. In 1996, he was awarded the prestigious Harwell G. Davis Presidential Scholarship to attend the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. During law school, Tom’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through; he established a clerking service business, collaborating with various law firms across Alabama and providing job opportunities for over 200 of his fellow law students. His active involvement extended to serving on the Moot Court Board, Trial Court Board, and being elected as an Honor Court Justice. He also earned accolades for his advocacy skills, notably receiving an award for best oral argument in a national moot court competition. Tom graduated from Cumberland School of Law in 1999.

Legal Career and Advocacy

Tom began his legal career representing automotive manufacturers and insurance companies. In this role, he gained invaluable experience, trying his first jury trial as lead counsel and securing a favorable verdict. He also served as national counsel for a Fortune 500 company, managing litigation efforts across twelve states. However, Tom soon realized that his true calling lay in serving as an advocate closer to home. This revelation prompted him to shift his focus entirely to representing clients in matters involving insurance and pension claims governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and various state laws. Over the years, he has represented clients from diverse locations, ranging from Hawaii to Israel, and has been appointed as lead class counsel for cases involving over 100,000 individuals. He has appeared in both state and federal courts nationwide, from New York to California.

Areas of Expertise

Tom’s legal practice has encompassed a broad spectrum of areas, including:

• Professional and Executive Disability Insurance Claims
• ERISA Claims
• Insurance Litigation
• Life and Accidental Death Insurance Claims
• Class Actions
• Pension and Retirement Claims
• Healthcare Claims
• Top Hat Plans
• Estate Litigation
• Litigation Management

His dedication to these areas underscores his commitment to ensuring that clients receive the level of representation they are entitled to under the law.

Professional Affiliations and Contributions

Beyond his legal practice, Tom has been actively involved in several professional organizations including the Alabama State Bar Association’s Insurance Committee where he served as Chair, the Birmingham Bar Association’s Continuing Legal Education Committee and Grievance Committee Group Chair, American Bar Association’s Litigation Section, and the American Association for Justice’s ERISA Benefits Litigation Group, the Alabama Association for Justice board and executive committee and the Cumberland Alumni Association, serving as the Young Alumni President for the Birmingham area from 2000 to 2005.

His commitment to the legal community is further evidenced by his frequent invitations to speak at seminars for fellow attorneys and his authorship of several articles on ERISA and individual disability income insurance claims. Tom also dedicates significant time to public interest cases, reflecting his deep-seated belief in equal justice for all.

Admissions and Recognitions

Tom was admitted to the Alabama Supreme Court in 1999 and has since been admitted to practice in various U.S. District Courts, including the Middle, Northern, and Southern Districts of Alabama. His appellate practice extends to the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Second, Fifth, Sixth, and Eleventh Circuits, and he was admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2014. His peers have recognized his legal excellence, as evidenced by his selection to the Super Lawyers list beginning in 2019 and including his current listing in 2025.

Personal Philosophy

At the core of Tom’s legal practice is a steadfast commitment to ensuring equal law for all, irrespective of class or politics. He views his role as a guardian of this principle, tirelessly working to ensure that justice is uniformly applied and accessible to everyone.

Conclusion

Thomas O. Sinclair’s journey from a business background to a distinguished legal career exemplifies dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to justice. His extensive experience, coupled with his passion for advocating for individuals’ rights, has solidified his reputation as a leading attorney in Birmingham, Alabama, and beyond.