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Attorney By Attorney
Career Profiles of the Profession

Who?

Thomas J. Collin
Partner
tom.collin@thompsonhine.com

What?

Primary Practice Area & Subspecialty Fields:
Antitrust and distribution law; unfair competition and intellectual property litigation.

When?

In Practice Area:
Since 1976

In the Legal Profession:
Since 1974

Where?

Employer:
Thompson Hine LLP
www.thompsonhine.com

Size/Sector:
380 attorneys

City/State:
Cleveland, OH

Law School:
Georgetown University, J.D. (1974)


Other Post-Graduate Education:
Harvard University, A.M. (1972)

Undergraduate School/Degree:
University of Minnesota, B.A. (1970)
Why?

Pluses/Challenges of Practice Area:
Intellectual challenge of mastering and staying current on substantive antitrust law combined with the practical challenge of developing litigation and courtroom skills.

Core Skills/Key Knowledge Needed in Your Practice Area:
Knowledge of the antitrust laws, plus practical litigation skills.

Advice to Lawyers and Law Students Interested in Your Practice Area:
Master the substantive antitrust law and grab business litigation experience wherever you can
get it.

How?

Career Path to Current Position:
A federal court clerkship after law school, followed by seven years as an associate in the antitrust practice at Thompson Hine.

Influences and Mentors:
My partners John F. McClatchey and Leslie W. Jacobs.

Suggested Reading About Your Practice Area:
Richard A. Posner, Antitrust Law (2d ed. 2002); Robert H. Bork, The Antitrust Paradox (1978)

Job Search Techniques Used in Finding Your Position(s):
Look for a large national or international firm with a strong and active antitrust practice.

Bar Affiliations and Activities:

ABA Antitrust Section: Chair, Franchise and Dealership Committee (2002-date); Chair, Annual Meeting Committee (2001-02); Chair, Business Torts and Unfair Competition Committee (1996-98).

Recent Professional Publications:

Collin, State Franchise Laws and the Small Business Franchise Act of 1999: Barriers to Efficient Distribution, 55 Business Law 1699 (2000)
Collin & Bris-Bois, Product Distribution and the Internet - The Antitrust Issues, 17 Corp Counsel's Quarterly 21 (2001)

Recent Professional Presentations:

Dealer Terminations and Realignments, at ABA Antitrust Section program, Distribution in a Global Economy: Internet, B2B and Traditional Issues, Dallas, November 13-14, 2000.

Memorable Career Moment:

Oral arguments in the federal courts of appeals and state supreme courts.

Intriguing Interests:

Book collecting and Bruckner symphonies.