Hourglass Legal

Hourglass Legal Consulting, established in 2013 and located in Highland Park, Illinois, is a leading corporate law firm mainly known for its mergers and acquisitions (M&A) expertise. Founded by Tom Wippman, who brings over 40 years of experience in the field, the firm serves a wide range of clients, including small to middle-market businesses, venture capital firms, and private equity-backed companies across various sectors such as business services, manufacturing, financial services, and for-profit education.

The firm is committed to providing strategic legal advice and helping clients manage complex transactions and regulatory environments effectively. With a focused, low-overhead strategy, Hourglass Legal ensures legal processes proceed smoothly and efficiently, typically closing around two monthly transactions. This approach not only helps in achieving successful outcomes but also optimizes legal expenditures.

Hourglass Legal's service offerings cover business formation, mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, equity financings, and general commercial matters. The firm also supports day-to-day corporate operations, advising on corporate governance, contract negotiations, executive compensation, and labor and employment issues. The goal is to empower entrepreneurs, emerging growth companies, and investors with high-quality, practical legal and strategic guidance, fostering success throughout their business endeavors.

Tom Wippman’s extensive background includes roles as internal and external General Counsel for various entities, including private equity companies, start-ups, and large corporations. Previously, he served as Managing Director and General Counsel at Sterling Partners, a private equity firm managing over $5 billion in assets. Here, he was instrumental in structuring, documenting, and negotiating significant buyout and sale transactions and managing follow-on investments and executive compensation issues.

His broad expertise allows him to leverage best legal practices to minimize risks and costs while maximizing growth opportunities. Tom has a proven track record in handling significant operational and transactional matters, assisting top entrepreneurs and high-growth companies through the intricate processes of start-ups and capitalization.

Tom’s professional qualifications include a J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law and an A.B. in Economics from the University of Illinois. His approach has built a reputation of trust and capability and garnered extensive client praise for his hands-on, strategic methods that lead to successful outcomes.

Hourglass Legal Consulting and Tom Wippman have been consistently lauded by clients for their ability to navigate and close deals effectively. One senior managing director from a private equity firm noted Tom's exceptional legal acumen and partnership approach, emphasizing his people skills and efficiency in transaction execution. Additionally, investment bankers and business owners alike have recognized his valuable insights and advocacy in complex transactions, highlighting his role in helping them understand and negotiate better terms, ultimately leading to successful deals. As Hourglass Legal continues to guide companies through their corporate challenges, they look forward to further collaborations, supporting clients with exceptional legal counsel.