For attorney Tom Aycock, moving to Michigan was always an option that he and his wife, Wendy, a West Michigan native, had considered. When Hurricane Katrina hit their New Orleans home in August 2005 that option became their opportunity to head for higher ground and move closer to Wendy's family.

Now a member of Smith Haughey's Litigation Department, Tom focuses his practice on the areas of corporate insurance litigation and personal civil litigation.  He represents international corporations, national and regional insurance companies, and local individuals in areas such as contract law, personal injury disputes, and insurance coverage disputes.  He has extensive experience in civil litigation, having participated in numerous jury trials and hundreds of depositions.

“Every client has a unique story to tell and a unique challenge that they are faced with. I work with each of my clients to get to the heart of the problem and then work diligently to acquire a cost-effective resolution in their favor.”
– Tom Aycock

Since joining the firm, Tom has successfully acquired very favorable case evaluation awards for multiple high damage cases on behalf of the firm's clients; and formulated, drafted, and argued numerous summary disposition motions resulting in the dismissal of numerous cases on behalf of clients in the areas of premises liability, breach of contract, and a wide range of insurance claims. In addition, Tom serves as a presenter on the topic of premises liability at Smith Haughey's annual insurance litigation seminars.

In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Wendy Lappenga, and their daughter, Olivia, as well as fishing, hiking, and volunteering for community organizations which mentor students and support military veterans.

Education

• University of Louisiana Lafayette (B.A., 1998)
• Southern University Law Center (J.D., 2001), Louisiana State Bar Association’s Corporate Law Section Scholarship recipient

Admitted to Practice

• Louisiana State Bar Association, 2001
• State Bar of Michigan, 2006
• U.S. District Court, Eastern/Middle/Western Districts of Louisiana, 2002
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit, 2004
• U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan, 2006
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, 2006

Previous Professional Experience

• Attorney – Crawford Lewis, PLLC, New Orleans, LA
• Legal Specialist – United States Army

Client Successes for Thomas W. Aycock

• 2/1/2009
  Tom Aycock obtained a dismissal on behalf of a plumbing subcontractor who had been sued by the owner for the alleged negligent installation of plumbing. Although the judge originally denied the motion, Tom pointed out the judge's legal error by filing a motion for reconsideration - and he convinced the judge to reverse his earlier opinion.

Smith Haughey Publications

News for Thomas W. Aycock

1/6/2011
Smith Haughey Announces New Shareholders and Board of Directors

8/24/2010
SHRR Presents Webinar About Changes to the Michigan No-Fault Act

7/19/2006
New Orleans Lawyer Lands at Smith Haughey

Professional Affiliations

• American Bar Association
• State Bar of Michigan
• Louisiana State Bar Association
• Grand Rapids Bar Association
• Michigan Defense Trial Counsel

Community Affiliations

• Rotary Club of Caledonia
• Tri-Rivers Chapter Committee, Ducks Unlimited
• American Legion