Tom Wearsch advises clients on strategic alternatives when faced with troubled company situations. Focusing on distressed as well as healthy companies, financial institutions, equity and hedge funds, bondholders, committees, boards, and management, he has served as counsel to numerous corporations involved in chapter 11 reorganizations, out-of-court restructurings, and distressed mergers and acquisitions. Tom's practice has exposed him to a number of industries including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, health care, energy, hospitality, securities, mining, media, and technology.

With a creative approach to the complex issues facing his clients, Tom is often credited with bringing his strong business acumen to finding practical, efficient solutions. Faced with often dire situations, he has led numerous out-of-court restructurings that have allowed his clients to continue their business operations without filing bankruptcy. He also has significant experience representing debtors and other constituencies in all aspects of complex chapter 11 proceedings. He has served as company or chapter 11 debtor's counsel in Peabody Energy, Alpha Natural Resources, CCS Medical, Vari-Form Group, Outcome Health and Kitchen Collection and as purchaser's counsel in National Label. Tom represented FirstEnergy Corp. in the bankruptcy case of its generation subsidiary, FirstEnergy Solutions.  Prior to joining Jones Day, Tom served as company, trustee, or chapter 11 debtor's counsel in Black Elk Offshore Energy, Swift-Cor Aerospace, Excello Engineered, VSV Group, Creative Polymer, Westgate Resorts, Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities, and Globix, and as purchaser's counsel in Dune Energy, Cardinal Fastener, and Saberliner Aerospace.

Tom is a member of the American, Ohio, and Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Associations. He serves on the boards of Shoes and Coats for Kids, Brookhaven Farms, and the Harvard Club of Northeast Ohio.

PRACTICES - Business Restructuring & Reorganization

LOCATIONS - Cleveland

EDUCATION

University of Virginia (J.D. 2001); Harvard University (A.B. magna cum laude 1998)

BAR & COURT ADMISSIONS - Ohio and New York

HONORS & DISTINCTIONS

Chambers USA (2016-2019)

Legal 500 (2017)

Best Lawyers in America (2016-2020)

Best Lawyers in Cleveland (2017)

Ohio Super Lawyers "Rising Star" (2007, 2009, 2012-2015)