Hourglass Legal

Corporate Law

Hourglass Legal Consulting is a prominent firm specializing in corporate law based in Highland Park, Illinois. Since its establishment in 2013 by Tom Wippman, the firm has been dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services, focusing on mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Serving a varied clientele, including small and middle-market companies, venture capital firms, and private equity-backed enterprises, Hourglass Legal operates across several industries, such as business services, manufacturing, financial services, and for-profit education.

The firm is renowned for its strategic legal guidance, assisting clients in navigating complex transactions and regulatory landscapes efficiently. Emphasizing a low-overhead, targeted approach minimizes legal drama, thereby maximizing efficiency in legal spending. On average, Hourglass Legal successfully closes about two transactions each month.

Hourglass Legal’s suite of services includes business formation, mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, equity financings, and general commercial matters. Additionally, the firm supports day-to-day corporate operations by advising on corporate governance, contract negotiations, executive compensation, and labor and employment issues.

Hourglass Legal empowers entrepreneurs, emerging growth companies, and investors by providing high-quality, practical legal and strategic advice. Under his guidance, Tom and his team cultivate close, professional relationships with clients, guiding them through all business endeavors to prepare and negotiate in high-value situations.

Tom, the founder, has a profound background as both internal and external General Counsel for diverse clients, including private equity firms, independent sponsors, start-ups, and large corporations. He has notably served as Managing Director and General Counsel for Sterling Partners, a private equity firm managing over $5 billion in assets. His primary responsibilities included structuring, documenting, and negotiating significant buyout and sale transactions, managing follow-on investment opportunities, and overseeing executive compensation and employment issues.

Tom’s expertise also extends to leveraging optimal legal practices to reduce risks and expenses while enhancing growth opportunities. He has managed various operational and transactional issues, such as handling sales representatives, vendor contracts, and product liability issues, effectively aiding entrepreneurs and high-growth companies in navigating the start-up and capitalization stages.

His extensive experience enables him to offer invaluable insights and collaborate effectively with teams to identify and maximize growth opportunities while mitigating legal risks. He is exceptionally skilled in mergers and acquisitions, corporate sales, and reorganizations and adept at using sophisticated financial instruments like warrants, options, and convertible debt.

Tom received his J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law and an A.B. in Economics from the same institution. Under his leadership, Hourglass Legal continues to be highly praised by clients for its hands-on, strategic approach to achieving successful outcomes, ensuring it remains a trusted advisor in the corporate legal arena.