Thomas R. Buchanan

Tom Buchanan serves as the General Counsel of McDowell Rice, Smith & Buchana, P.C., where he leads the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Construction and Architect/Engineer Law, and Transportation Law Groups. A highly accomplished trial attorney, Mr. Buchanan is Board Certified as a Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, reflecting his depth of experience and unwavering commitment to excellence in trial practice.

With a nationwide practice, Mr. Buchanan has represented clients in a broad spectrum of complex litigation matters, including design professional and construction litigation, professional liability, tort and insurance coverage, bad faith claims, environmental disputes, commercial and employment litigation, ERISA, product liability, trade secrets, vehicle and trucking accidents, and class actions. He has appeared as lead counsel in both federal and state courts across the country, including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.

Mr. Buchanan is widely respected by both clients and peers for his tact, civility, and professionalism, and is regularly recognized by opposing counsel for his friendliness and fair dealing while exhibiting exceptional trial skills in complex, high-stakes litigation. He exemplifies the highest ethical standards in his practice and serves as the firm’s Risk Manager, providing guidance on professional responsibility issues and offering thoughtful advice to colleagues on ethical matters.

In addition to his litigation expertise and leadership within the firm, Mr. Buchanan has been honored for his contributions to the legal community as co-founder, former President, and former Secretary-Treasurer of the Earl E. O’Connor Inn of Court, an organization dedicated to advancing professionalism, ethics, and mentorship among lawyers and judges.