Thomas Wilde advises employers of all sizes on labor relations and employment matters ranging from business advice to grievance arbitration to litigation defense.
His blend of legal knowledge and practical guidance helps clients prevent litigation and, when necessary, avoid or minimize potential liability. Thomas serves as outside general counsel to nonprofit organizations, particularly in the occupational licensing and certification sectors. He advises on governance and bylaws, maintaining tax-exempt status, strategic planning, accreditation, contracts, and daily legal matters. Clients value his ability to translate legal requirements into advice that lets them proactively manage governance and compliance challenges.
With over 30 years of experience in diverse workplace matters, Thomas defends clients against claims of discrimination, harassment, wage and hour violations, issues involving disability accommodation, and leave management. In addition, he has won dozens of labor arbitrations for unionized companies. His understanding of his clients’ businesses yields solutions in line with their operational and strategic needs.
Experience
- Won jury trial of executive-level employee asserting age discrimination claims in federal court in Miami
- Defeated class certification in case involving off-the-clock work and meal period claims against large healthcare institution
- Advised non-profit organization on governance and bylaws changes in connection with restructurings
- Won multiple arbitrations for large manufacturing company relating to fundamental change in business operations
Credentials
Education
- DePaul University College of Law, J.D., with honors, 1993
- Northern Illinois University, B.A., cum laude, 1990
Bar Admissions
- Massachusetts, 1996
- Illinois, 1993
Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals Eleventh Circuit, 2017
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit, 2012
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit, 1998
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, 1997
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, 2014
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin, 2003
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Indiana, 2001
- U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois, 1998
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 1994
Affiliations
- Member, Human Resources Management Association, Chicago
Recognition
- Best Lawyers in America® – Employment Law: Management; Labor Law: Management (2023-2026)
- Chambers USA (Illinois) – Labor & Employment, Band 3 (2020-2026)
- Leading Lawyers – Employment Law: Management; Labor Law: Management, Leading Lawyer (2011-2026)
- Martindale-Hubbell – Distinguished®
- Super Lawyers – Employment & Labor (2024)
Insights & Events
News
Vedder Recognized in Chambers USA 2026
June 4, 2026
News
76 Vedder Price Attorneys Recognized in 2026 Best Lawyers® in America
August 21, 2025
News
Vedder Price Recognized in Chambers USA in 2025
June 5, 2025
Events
Vedder Works Employment Law Series Rosemont, IL 2025
May 15, 2025
Events
Vedder Works Employment Law Series Chicago, IL 2025
April 10, 2025
News
77 Vedder Price Attorneys Recognized in 2025 Best Lawyers® in America
August 15, 2024
News
Vedder Price Recognized in Chambers USA in 2024
June 6, 2024
Events
Vedder Works Employment Law Series Rosemont, IL 2024
May 16, 2024
