Thomas E. "Tom" Dutton, Business Attorney in Birmingham, Alabama
Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Litigation, and Medical Malpractice
Birmingham, AL
Practicing business in Birmingham since 1976.
- 50+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
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Quick answer
Thomas E. "Tom" Dutton is an attorney based in Birmingham, ALABAMA. The practice focuses on Business, Litigation, and Medical Malpractice. Thomas has over 50 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Birmingham, ALABAMA
- Experience
- over 50 years
- Known for
- Business · Litigation · Medical Malpractice
- Handles Business, Litigation, and Medical Malpractice matters from Birmingham, ALABAMA.
- Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026).
About Thomas E. "Tom" Dutton: Thomas E. "Tom" Dutton is an attorney based in Birmingham, ALABAMA. The practice focuses on Business, Litigation, and Medical Malpractice. Thomas has over 50 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Thomas's practice areas in Birmingham
Thomas concentrates on business, litigation, medical malpractice, personal injury, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Litigation
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Medical Malpractice
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Personal Injury
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Product Liability
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Business cases in Birmingham, Alabama
Thomas takes business matters in Birmingham, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Birmingham, Alabama
Thomas takes litigation matters in Birmingham, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.
Medical Malpractice cases in Birmingham, Alabama
Thomas takes medical malpractice matters in Birmingham, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Birmingham, Alabama
Thomas takes personal injury matters in Birmingham, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.
Product Liability cases in Birmingham, Alabama
Thomas takes product liability matters in Birmingham, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.
Biography
Thomas E. "Tom" Dutton, business attorney serving Birmingham
Thomas E. "Tom" Dutton is an attorney based in Birmingham, ALABAMA. The practice focuses on Business, Litigation, and Medical Malpractice. Thomas has over 50 years of legal experience. Thomas works from Birmingham, Alabama and takes on business matters across the region.
Tom Dutton is one of the founding partners of the Pittman, Dutton, & Hellums firm. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama and attended college at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1973. He earned his J.D. Degree with honors (cum laude) in 1976 from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama and was admitted to practice law in the State of Alabama in 1976 and the State of Mississippi in 1977.
Tom is admitted to practice before the Alabama Supreme Court, the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals as well as the United States District Courts. He is a member of the Alabama Bar Association, Mississippi Bar Association, Birmingham Bar Association, Alabama Association for Justice and American Association for Justice. His published legal works include Potential Tort Liability of Alabama Law Enforcement Officials 7 Cumberland Law Review 107, 1976 as well as Representing the Victim of Medical Malpractice Alabama Trial Lawyers Association Journal, 1983.
He has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for over ten years. The selection process is based upon an exhaustive, detailed evaluation including peer review surveys. Best Lawyers has been regarded by both the profession and the public as the definitive guide to legal excellence in the United States.
Tom has also been selected to Alabama Super Lawyers every year since 2008. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process is multi-phased and includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. In May of 2011, Tom was recognized by the American Registry as a Top Attorney in Alabama.
Since May of 2012, he has been named among America’s Most Honored Professionals. Only ten percent of recognized professionals qualify for the honor. It is a cross industry recognition, which means he ranked among the top CEO’s, doctors, lawyers, local business owners, and Internet entrepreneurs of America. He is listed in The Circle of Excellence. In 2014, he entered the top five percent and in 2015, he was recognized in the top one percent of America’s Most Honored Professionals.
Since 1987, Tom has consistently received the highest possible professional rating from the most knowledgeable critics. The AV® Preeminent™ rating is the pinnacle of excellence earned through a strenuous Peer Review Rating™ process that is managed and monitored by the world’s most trusted legal resource – Martindale-Hubbell®.
Additionally, he has been listed as one of Birmingham’s Top Lawyers in both The Birmingham Magazine and B-Metro, The Magazine of Birmingham Living.
In 2013, he was selected by Martindale-Hubbell™ as a ‘2013 Top Rated Lawyer in Health Care’.
Working with Thomas on a business matter
Tom Dutton is one of the founding partners of the Pittman, Dutton, & Hellums firm. He was born in Birmingham, Alabama and attended college at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1973. He earned his J.D. Degree with honors (cum laude) in 1976 from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama and was admitted to practice law…
Clients Thomas works with
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, litigation, and medical malpractice matters in Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Thomas studied and practices
Samford University
J.D. · 1976
University of Alabama - Birmingham
— · 1973
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
Mississippi
1977 · ACTIVE
Alabama
1976 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in Samford University and — in University of Alabama - Birmingham.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in Samford University and — in University of Alabama - Birmingham. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in Alabama is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Thomas's legal honors and published work
Thomas has received 7 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Civil Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Complex Litigation
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Civil Litigation (2026).
Locations
Thomas E. "Tom" Dutton's office in Birmingham
Thomas's primary office is at 2001 Park Place, Suite 1100, Birmingham, Alabama, 35203. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Thomas E. "Tom" Dutton
Thomas has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Thomas E. "Tom" Dutton — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Thomas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Thomas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Thomas will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Birmingham, Alabama
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Thomas
Thomas discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Thomas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Thomas's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Thomas E. "Tom" Dutton
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Thomas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Thomas offer a free consultation?
Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Alabama typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Birmingham?
Thomas is licensed in Alabama. Matters governed by Alabama law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Thomas will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Thomas?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Thomas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Thomas accepting new business clients right now?
Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile in Alabama
Thomas handles business matters throughout Alabama. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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