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    Tommy Siler photograph

    W. Thomas Siler, Jr.

    Senior Partner

    Jackson
    601-360-9357
    tommy.siler@phelps.com
    Areas Of Focus
    Labor and EmploymentLabor RelationsEmployment Litigation

    Since 1983, Tommy Siler has concentrated his practice in the representation of management in labor and employment law matters, and defending governmental entities in civil rights cases. His practice includes multiple party or class action matters involving a wide array of employment issues. In more than 30 years of practice,Tommy has maintained an active trial practice including numerous jury trials and arbitrations regarding the interpretation of collective bargaining agreements. He has represented employers in Title VII, ADEA, ADA, FLSA, FMLA, OSHA and ERISA cases, as well as in cases involving the NLRA and LMRA. He has also litigated a variety of cases arising under the U.S. Constitution. In addition to an active litigation practice, he manages union campaigns, conducts contract negotiations, represents companies before the NLRB and handles the administration of collective bargaining issues.

    Experience

    • Representation of one of the world’s largest auto manufacturers in a case involving NLRA and ERISA preemption. The case involved more than 120 employees who voluntarily elected severance pay, but sued when market conditions improved and the employer began re-hiring several years later and refused to rehire the plaintiffs.
    • Representation of a sporting goods manufacturer in a multi-party case involving alleged race discrimination.
    • Representation of one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of wood and paper products in an age discrimination case involving two high ranking management officials who claimed they were selected for a reduction-in-force because of their age.

    Insights

    • November 21, 2024

      18 Phelps Lawyers Named to 2024 Mid-South Super Lawyers Lists…

    • October 31, 2024

      Mississippi Economic Council Hobnob 2024…

    More +
    • August 15, 2024

      185 Phelps Lawyers Chosen for Best Lawyers in America, 20 Named "Lawyer of the Year," 26 Added to “Ones to Watch” List…

    • June 6, 2024

      Chambers USA Guide 2024 Ranks 24 Phelps Practice Areas and 69 Lawyers…

    • November 28, 2023

      Sixteen Phelps Lawyers Honored on 2023 Mid-South Super Lawyers Lists…

    • October 3, 2023

      Jackson Office Earns Three Federal Appellate Victories in 30 Days …

    • August 17, 2023

      Best Lawyers in America Selects 208 Phelps Lawyers, Names 12 "Lawyer of the Year," Adds 47 to "Ones to Watch" List…

    • June 1, 2023

      Chambers USA 2023 Ranks 20 Phelps Practice Areas and 60 Lawyers…

    • December 19, 2022

      NLRB Restricts Property Owner’s Ability to Bar Union Protests …

    • December 19, 2022

      Union-Friendly NLRB Puts Employers on the Hook for Additional Damages for Labor Violations…

    • November 29, 2022

      Super Lawyers Names 22 Phelps Lawyers to 2022 Mid-South Lists…

    • August 18, 2022

      Best Lawyers in America Selects 158 Phelps Lawyers, Names 10 "Lawyer of the Year," Adds 40 to "Ones to Watch" List…

    • August 3, 2022

      Annual Mississippi Labor & Employment Seminar: A New School of Thought…

    • June 1, 2022

      Chambers USA 2022 Ranks 19 Phelps Practice Areas and 56 Lawyers…

    • November 30, 2021

      Super Lawyers Names 23 Phelps Attorneys to 2021 Mid-South Lists…

    • May 20, 2021

      Chambers USA 2021 Ranks 18 Phelps Practice Areas and 52 Lawyers…

    • August 20, 2020

      127 Phelps Lawyers Selected to Best Lawyers in America, 16 Named "Lawyer of the Year" and 37 Chosen for First Class of "Ones to Watch"…

    • November 5, 2019

      16 Lawyers Named 2019 Mid-South Super Lawyers and Rising Stars…

    Recognition

    • AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
    • Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business - Labor & Employment
    • Labor and Employment Star, Benchmark Litigation
    • Employment Law - Management (2011-2025), Labor Law - Management (2011-2025), Litigation - Labor and Employment (2018-2025), "Lawyer of the Year" Litigation - Labor and Employment (2020), Employment Law - Management (2012, 2015, 2018, 2025), Labor Law - Management (2014), Labor and Employment Law (2011), The Best Lawyers in America
    • Mid-South Super Lawyers (2006-2019, 2021-2023), Top 50 Mississippi Super Lawyers (2014), Super Lawyers
    • Leadership in Law, Mississippi Business Journal (2013)
    • Fellow, Mississippi Bar Foundation
    • AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
    • Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business - Labor & Employment
    • Labor and Employment Star, Benchmark Litigation
    • Employment Law - Management (2011-2025), Labor Law - Management (2011-2025), Litigation - Labor and Employment (2018-2025), "Lawyer of the Year" Litigation - Labor and Employment (2020), Employment Law - Management (2012, 2015, 2018, 2025), Labor Law - Management (2014), Labor and Employment Law (2011), The Best Lawyers in America
    • Mid-South Super Lawyers (2006-2019, 2021-2023), Top 50 Mississippi Super Lawyers (2014), Super Lawyers
    • Leadership in Law, Mississippi Business Journal (2013)
    • Fellow, Mississippi Bar Foundation

    Education

    • University of Mississippi School of Law, J.D., with distinction, 1983
    • Millsaps College, B.A., 1979
    • University of Mississippi School of Law, J.D., with distinction, 1983
    • Millsaps College, B.A., 1979

    Credentials

    • Mississippi
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
    • U.S. Supreme Court
    • Mississippi
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
    • U.S. Supreme Court

    Memberships and Affiliations

    • Mississippi Bar
    • Capital Area Bar Association
    • American Bar Association, Litigation Section & Labor and Employment Law Section
    • Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association - President (1996)
    • Defense Research Institute
    • International Association of Defense Counsel - Board of Directors & Member (2011-2014), Employment Law Committee - Chairman (2005)
    • Mississippi Bar
    • Capital Area Bar Association
    • American Bar Association, Litigation Section & Labor and Employment Law Section
    • Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association - President (1996)
    • Defense Research Institute
    • International Association of Defense Counsel - Board of Directors & Member (2011-2014), Employment Law Committee - Chairman (2005)
    • Overview
    • Experience
    • Insights
    • Recognition
    • Education
    • Credentials
    • Memberships and Affiliations

    Related Services

    • Labor and Employment
    • Labor Relations
    • Employment Litigation
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