Thomas M Burnett

Thomas M. Burnett

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Milwaukee
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Tom Burnett is an experienced and practical problem solver with a dual-focused practice in health care and general commercial litigation. He’s a shareholder in Reinhart’s Litigation Practice, where he successfully represents clients before state and local courts and administrative agencies at both the trial and appellate levels.

Tom believes in investing the necessary time to get to know his clients and thoroughly understand their broader business objectives before crafting litigation strategies to best serve them. He represents clients in a wide array of litigation matters, including contract disputes, corporate internal investigations, post-acquisition litigation and other complex commercial disputes. Tom leverages his in-depth knowledge of his clients and the industries in which they operate to help them manage risks across all aspects of their operations, with an eye toward practical solutions that align with their broader business goals. He enjoys advocating for his clients and helping them overcome obstacles and move forward to accomplish great things.

In the health care realm, Tom represents hospices, home health agencies, hospitals, long-term care facilities and other health care providers in connection with audits and compliance investigations initiated by CMS, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, or various government program integrity contractors and auditors. He also provides ongoing compliance counseling to his clients, helping them navigate the complex web of regulations and laws governing the health care sector. When necessary, he represents them in subsequent litigation and appeals, including all stages of the Medicare administrative appeal process. He is a leading member of Reinhart's False Claims Act Team, where he frequently represents clients in the health care space (as well as other industries) in connection with internal investigations, whistleblower claims or other litigation involving the FCA and related laws.

Tom serves on the board of directors for the Wisconsin Equal Justice Fund, an organization that supports the provision of legal aid for the poor and disenfranchised. He is actively involved in the firm's pro bono program and was named Reinhart's 2013 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year.

Away from the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, renovating his vintage home and golfing.

Education

  • J.D., cum laude, University of Notre Dame Law School
  • B.A., cum laude, Duke University (Political Science)

Bar Admissions

Wisconsin

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
Practices
Services

Matters

  • Successfully defended a franchisor against claims of improper termination under federal statute regulating contracts with petroleum franchisees and retailers, and argued subsequent appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
  • Successfully represented insurer against contract, antitrust, civil extortion and unfair competition claims before a California federal court and during multiple appeals to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
  • Collaborated with a team of attorneys to obtain an $11 million judgment in favor of lender, following a bench trial involving numerous lender liability claims and defenses
  • Successfully defended a major Wisconsin manufacturer against trade secret, breach of contract and unfair competition claims by a former supplier
  • Represented insurance underwriters in state and federal courts throughout the country in connection with complex, multiparty disputes concerning excess loss policies
  • Regularly advises clients regarding compliance with state, federal and foreign laws concerning product distribution, franchise and dealership agreements, trade regulation, unfair competition, false advertising and price discrimination

Honors & Affiliations

Honors

  • The Best Lawyers in America® – Best Lawyers, Commercial Litigation; Franchise Law
  • Named 2013 Reinhart Pro Bono Attorney of the Year
  • Selected for inclusion in Wisconsin Super Lawyers – Rising Stars Edition, 2013-2019
  • Robert S. Rankin Award in American Government and Constitutional Law, Duke University, 2006
  • Jon E. Krupnick Award for excellence in the art of trial advocacy, University of Notre Dame Law School, 2009

Affiliations

  • State Bar of Wisconsin
  • Milwaukee Bar Association

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