Tom Barton has a successful commercial litigation practice centered around disputes in Utah courts. Although Tom attended school in the Eastern United States, he was raised in Utah and is familiar with its business and judicial landscapes. Clients and colleagues value his professionalism, judgment, skill and dedication to his practice.  

Capabilities

Biography

Tom is an experienced commercial attorney who has litigated a wide variety of matters since he began practicing in 1994. His assignments have included contract lawsuits, corporate fights, real property disputes, professional liability cases, tax and estate litigation, natural resource litigation, employment matters, and statutory claims. Tom represents both plaintiffs and defendants. In addition, Utah federal judges have appointed him as a receiver in three cases—each involving securities or consumer fraud and voidable transfers. Assessing the legal merits of claims, setting the factual record straight, accurate valuation, and navigating the legal system are the recurring subjects of his work. Tom has tried cases in state and federal courts, the U.S. Tax Court, and before administrative bodies. He has argued before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, Utah Supreme Court, and the Utah Court of Appeals.   

 Before joining Parsons Behle & Latimer in 2019, Tom practiced with two respected Salt Lake law firms. He was a director at both firms, and president of one of them. He is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell. He has been repeatedly recognized as an outstanding civil and business litigator in local business publications.

Tom’s wife is also an attorney, and together they have raised two children and four spaniels in Salt Lake City. You can often find Tom in the mountains. 

Experience

Armstrong v. Sabin, Case No. 2:20-cv-261-TS-DAO, United States District Court, District of Utah

Defended clients in judicial dissolution case, and obtained favorable valuation for minority shareholder that allowed her to obtain sole ownership of the company.

Federal Trade Commission v. National Website Design, LLC, et al., Case No. 2:20-cv-846-RJS

Court-appointed receiver for Utah internet marketing company.

Chard v. Chard, 2019 UT App 209

Successfully represented defendants in a complex corporate lawsuit concerning a family-owned business.

Accomplishments

Academic

University of Virginia (J.D., 1994)

College of William & Mary (B.A., 1990, English)

Professional

AV (Preeminent) Rating, Martindale Hubbell

Utah Business Magazine, Utah Legal Elite (2021 and various prior years: civil litigation)

Mountain States Super Lawyers (2024 and various prior years in business litigation)

Utah Philanthropy Day, Heart in Hands Award Recipient, 2012

Associations

Professional

Utah State Bar

Salt Lake County Bar

Federal Bar Association

David K. Watkiss-Sutherland II American Inn of Court

National Association of Federal Equity Receivers

Community

Tracy Aviary, Board of Directors (2005 to present, Chair 2011-12)

Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, Board of Directors (1998-2000)

Insights

Credentials

Licensed

Utah
U.S. Dist. Court, Dist. of Utah
U.S. Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit
U.S. Tax Court

Education

University of Virginia School of Law