Thomas J. Hainje

My Approach

I believe an effective lawyer needs to be an efficient full-time problem solver, whether the solutions are to be found in the legal arena or outside of the legal arena. To effectively and efficiently solve problems, it is fundamentally important that I understand a client’s business, transactions, and challenges. I make a very deliberate effort to learn about my clients, what motivates them, and what their objectives are. I truly believe that counsel cannot guide a client through a transaction or litigation until they fully understand how their client operates and what they must accomplish to succeed. Therefore, perhaps, in many ways a lawyer should be a business consultant and counselor first, and a litigator second.

That said, not all problems are solved with handshakes and accommodation. Like the old Theodore Roosevelt saying “speak softly and carry a big stick,” I very rarely pick a fight, but I am always exceptionally well prepared for one. From a very early stage in any representation, I am contemplating all possible outcomes, gathering information, and diligently preparing for the best and worst case scenarios. My experience as a litigator not only allows me to solve problems in that forum, but it has also shaped my drafting and transactional work because I have seen what goes wrong, what gets argued, and what holds up under the scrutiny of litigation. This understanding allows me to head off future conflict and litigation before it commences.

However, what I truly enjoy most is participating in transactions where all parties are working together to create something, and pushing forward to overcome obstacles creatively and collaboratively. Especially as it relates to real estate, I thrive on helping my clients achieve a tangible result.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing golf, boating and fishing, skiing and snowboarding, climbing, and I especially enjoy any outdoor activity or time with my wife and daughters.