As a Member of the firm, Tom Seigfreid is an experienced trial lawyer whose practice focuses exclusively on the defense of product manufacturers.  Tom has defended automotive, agricultural, heavy truck, power tool and marine product manufacturers for more than 30 years.  He has tried significant product liability cases for a variety of Fortune 100 companies.  Chambers USA has recognized Tom for his work in products litigation and “savvy in the courtroom.”  Tom serves as National Coordinating Counsel supervising repetitive and multi-district product liability and toxic tort matters throughout the country.  He is active in defense organizations, including the International Association of Defense Counsel, and in the presentation of continuing legal education.  Tom regularly delivers litigation-related lectures to both in-house counsel and national CLE conferees.

Memberships & Activities

• Defense Research Institute
• Federal Bar Association
• International Association of Defense Counsel
  • Faculty Member:  2018 International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Trial Academy, Stanford Law School, Palo Alto, California
  • Member: Product Liability and Toxic Tort Committees
• Jackson County Bar Association
• The Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association
• The Missouri Bar
• Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers

Publications

• Co-Author of "Jury Panel Investigation in Missouri." IADC Trial Techniques and Tactics Committee Newsletter, July 2014.
• Co-author of "Missouri Led Way on Jury Investigation Rules." Missouri Lawyers Weekly, September 2, 2013.

Presentations

• IADC Trial Academy, Palo Alto, California, 2018.
• "Operator's Manual for a Witness Chair," Association of Corporate Counsel - MidAmerica Chapter, 2008.
• "Intricacies of the Attorney-Client Privilege to In-House Counsel Communications," Association of Corporate Counsel - MidAmerica Chapter, 2007.
• "Successful Dispute Resolution Strategies - Mediation vs. Arbitration," Association of Corporate Counsel- MidAmerica Chapter, 2006.
• "Battling Baffling Bankruptcy: Defending Reorganizing Entities in Product Litigation," International Association of Defense Counsel Annual Conference, Maui, Hawaii, July 2003.
• Pre-Trial Motion Practice and the Changing Rules of Civil Procedure, Wal- Mart Corporate Legal Conference, 2001.
• "Spoliation of Evidence," General Motors Corporation, ESIS Corporation, Detroit Michigan, 1996 and 1997.
• "Preparation of the Client for Deposition," Federation of Insurance and Corporate Counsel, Litigation Management College, 1996.
• "Deposition Preparation of the Defense Witness," Federation of Insurance and Corporate Counsel, Litigation Management College, 1995.
• "'Mary Carter' Alive and Well in Missouri," ABA Annual Meeting, San Francisco, California, 1994.
• "Rule 26 and the New Disclosure Requirements," Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, 1993.

Awards & Recognition

• AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell.
• Selected for inclusion in Chambers USA, 2008-2018
• Selected for inclusion in Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers®, 2008-2011
• Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers® in America, Kansas City Metropolitan Area
  •  Mass Tort Litigation/ Class Actions - Defendants (2013-present)

Blog Posts

Dangerous Advertising: Violations of a fair trade practices statute creates new liability for firearm manufacturers and sellers

04.04.19 | Connecticut Supreme Court rules that the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act does not bar a lawsuit brought by shooting victims' families against a manufacturer, under the state's fair trade practices act, challenging sales practices surrounding the sale of semi-automatic weapons.

Jury Panel Investigation in Missouri Revisited: Waiver of the Issue of Juror Non-Disclosure Remains Limited to the Litigation History

03.06.17 | With the constant evolution of technology, the Missouri Constitution's guarantee of the right to a fair and impartial jury of 12 has simultaneously become easier and more difficult to attain. As internet outlets and social media platforms rapidly multiply, prospective jurors have more opportunities to express or "post" beliefs and reveal biases on topics involved in litigation.

Changes to the Discovery Process in Federal Court

11.13.15 | For attorneys and clients alike, the discovery process can be a daunting aspect of litigation. Rule 26 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure generally governs the discovery process. Effective December 1, 2015, and absent congressional intervention, proposed amendments to Rule 26 take effect.

Jury Panel Investigation in Missouri

07.09.13 | The Digital Age presents several issues when it comes to an attorney's investigation of a jury panel. Jurors today are likely to have some sort of internet presence, leaving their views, beliefs, and previous activity at the fingertips of trial counsel. Internet research of jurors has become an accepted practice, but with no specific guidance from the courts or the law, trial counsel must be wary of ethical considerations and other obligations when conducting research on potential or sitting jurors.