100 Years of Putting Clients First Attorneys & Business Counselors Since 1906
J. Thomas Vetne
A second-generation lawyer, Tom joined Jones Obenchain, LLP in 2000 after practicing for several years in Lake County. He was elected partner in 2002.
Tom is a trial attorney. He represents insurance companies, businesses, and individuals in state, federal, and appellate courts. He has tried cases to verdict in many of the counties across northern Indiana, and has also represented clients in administrative proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. His practice areas include business and commercial litigation, personal injury, premises liability, insurance coverage disputes, and employment discrimination claims.
Tom is especially interested in appellate work. He has argued cases before the Indiana Court of Appeals and the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. In 2001, his oral advocacy earned him a commendation by the Indiana Court of Appeals in a published opinion.
In January 2010, Tom was appointed to the Northern District of Indiana’s Local Rules Advisory Committee for a four-year term. Tom and his partner, Brian Kubicki, are redrafting the local rules for both the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana to make the rules consistent with the recently restyled federal procedural rules.
An avid cyclist, Tom frequently commutes to the office on two wheels. On the off chance he can’t be found in the office or in court, he's likely riding along the East Bank Trail or the Notre Dame campus on his trusty Trek. He's the one on the burnt-orange bike. Tom, his wife, Stephanie, and their three children live, and ride, in Granger.
Reported cases: Smith v. Castaways Family Diner, 453 F.3d 971 (7th Cir. 2006); White Eagle Cooperative Assn. v. Johanns, 396 F.Supp.2d 954 (N.D. Ind. 2005); American Family Mutual Insurance Company v. Ginther, 803 N.E.2d 224 (Ind. Ct. App. 2004); Credentials Plus, LLC v. Calderone, 230 F.Supp.2d 890 (N.D. Ind. 2002); Osterloo v. Wallar, 758 N.E.2d 59 (Ind. Ct. App. 2001); Dietz v. Finlay Fine Jewelry Corp., 754 N.E.2d 958 (Ind. Ct. App. 2001).
J. Thomas Vetne
Partner
574.233.1194
574.233.8957 (fax)
Assistant: Debbie Parmlee
Areas of Practice:
- Personal Injury
- Premises Liability
- Insurance Defense
- Employment Discrimination
- Appeals
- General Trial Practice
Professional Credentials:
- J.D., Valparaiso University School of Law, 1996
- B.A., University of Texas at Austin, 1993, with High Honors (Phi Beta Kappa)
Bar Admission:
- Indiana, 1996
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Northern & Southern Districts of Indiana
Bar Associations:
- Indiana State Bar Association
- St. Joseph County Bar Association
- American Bar Association
Jones Obenchain, LLP - 202 South Michigan Street - 600 Key Bank Building - P.O. Box 4577 - South Bend, Indiana 46634
