Thomas ("Tom") W. Paterson Email & Phone Number

Solving real problems for real people is why I'm a trial lawyer. Solving those problems successfully is why my clients come back again and again.My objective as I work to successfully resolve my clients' disputes is simple: Keep as much money in the client's pocket as possible. The best way to meet that objective is to get on top of the facts and the law on the front end. If we can resolve a case early, without filing it or incurring extensive expenses associated with litigation, we do. Thinking creatively is critical, as in the time we resolved a dispute for Dixie Pipeline in two months from filing to finishing trial. Another instance was resolving a matter in six weeks that had been lingering for more than 30 years. In that case, we told the defendant that its leases would be cancelled if the jury agreed with us on our contract allegations. The defendant promptly settled.Regardless of whether we represent the plaintiff or the defendant, the approach on each case is to get ready for trial as quickly as possible. My plaintiff clients have enjoyed substantial settlements and judgments; my defendant clients have saved hundreds of millions of dollars.Most of my cases have involved natural resources--oil and gas, agricultural products or land. That's a natural for someone who grew up near mining communities in the Southwest and now runs a cattle ranch. I've handled cases ranging from antitrust and breach of contract to tortious interference and fraud. My Ph.D. in applied economics and heavy emphasis on empirical research enable me to undertake large, complex cases requiring extensive expert discovery and testimony.I've told you why I'm a trial lawyer, how I work my cases, and why my clients keep returning. If you have a problem, I'm available to discuss it and candidly assess whether I can help you resolve it. I'll tell you straight if I can help or refer you to someone else if I can't. Contact me at (713) 653-7815 or tpaterson@susmangodfrey.com.

Listed skills include Commercial Litigation, Litigation, Business Litigation, Class Actions, and 10 others.

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  Partner

  Susman Godfrey Llp

  Mar 1985 - Present