Thomas C. Kilpatrick, practice group leader of Manning Fulton's litigation section, has practiced with the firm since 1996. He regularly appears in North Carolina’s state and federal courts, and has litigated or arbitrated cases nationally and internationally. 

Tom is“AV” rated in the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory. He is recognized by North Carolina Super Lawyers as a Rising Star (2009-2011) and listed among Business North Carolina's Legal Elite (2012) in the area of litigation.

Tom’s experience litigating a wide range of business and personal claims helps him avoid costly learning curves and delays. He has represented clients in a variety of business disputes including commercial real-estate and development, executive compensation, franchising, construction, insurance coverage, fraud, self-dealing, and many other issues. He also assists individuals in matters such as condemnation, employment, trust and will contests, personal injury, and wrongful death.

Tom listens to our clients and helps them make smart decisions to resolve their problems as economically as possible.  He is well prepared for his cases and enjoys litigating in the courtroom, but understands that litigation is often not the best option. Being able to compellingly and artfully litigate a case helps Tom to negotiate and mediate cases for our clients.

Our clients have also benefited from Tom’s pro-active approach to avoiding disputes before they become litigation cases. He helps several of our clients by providing legal advice and guidance on day-to-day issues such as contracts, collections, insurance, and employment matters.  In the context of pre-litigation counseling, there is much truth in the old adage: “an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.”

Tom is a Certified Mediator for North Carolina Superior Court Civil Actions. He also serves as a mediator in fee dispute cases for the North Carolina State Bar’s 10th Judicial District.