Hourglass Legal

Hourglass Legal Consulting is a premier corporate law firm known for its mergers and acquisitions (M&A) expertise. Serving a diverse clientele that includes small and middle-market companies, venture capital clients, and private equity-backed firms, the firm operates across various sectors, such as business services, manufacturing, financial services, and for-profit education. The firm is distinguished by its strategic legal guidance, which helps clients navigate complex transactions and regulatory landscapes effectively. Thanks to its focused, low-overhead approach, Hourglass Legal achieves outcomes with minimal legal hassle and optimizes legal expenses. Based in Highland Park, Illinois, the firm was established in 2013 by Tom Wippman, who has accumulated 40 years of experience in the M&A field and serves as the firm’s president. His extensive background in operations, finance, and law has built a foundation of trust and credibility for the firm. Hourglass Legal's offerings include business formation, mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, equity financings, and general commercial matters. The firm provides ongoing advice on corporate governance, contract negotiations, executive compensation, and labor and employment issues, supporting clients’ daily corporate operations. Hourglass Legal aims to assist entrepreneurs, emerging growth companies, and investors achieve success through high-quality, practical legal and strategic advice. Under Tom’s leadership, the firm builds strong, enduring professional relationships with clients, guiding them through each phase of their business development to prepare and negotiate in high-stakes scenarios. Tom has extensive experience working as internal and external General Counsel for various clients, including private equity firms, independent sponsors, start-ups, and large corporations. He previously served as Managing Director and General Counsel at Sterling Partners, a private equity firm with assets over $5 billion, where he was instrumental in structuring, documenting, and negotiating key client transactions. His expertise in leveraging best legal practices across broad networks has significantly reduced legal risks and costs while optimizing growth for his clients. He has adeptly managed sales representatives, vendor contracts, and product liability issues and has been instrumental in helping high-profile entrepreneurs and companies navigate the intricacies of startup and capitalization phases. With several decades of career, Tom offers immense value in collaborating with teams to identify and maximize growth opportunities while mitigating legal risks. His experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate sales, and reorganizations, coupled with his skill in sophisticated debt and equity structures like warrants, options, and convertible debt, is unmatched. Tom holds a J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law and an A.B. in Economics from the University of Illinois. His hands-on, strategic approach has consistently earned accolades from clients who value his ability to handle transactions efficiently and effectively. Under Tom’s guidance, Hourglass Legal remains a highly respected and trusted advisor in the legal arena, continuing to achieve successful client outcomes.