Thomas (Tom) Hayden is a Senior Associate at Slater Slater Schulman, representing survivors of sexual abuse and assault.

Diligence, resourcefulness, and compassion define Tom’s practice and advocacy efforts. He understands the importance of making clients feel heard and ensuring their stories are accurately and effectively told. Committed to justice, Tom provides thoughtful, personalized representation, giving clients the confidence that they have a dedicated ally in their corner.

Prior to joining Slater Slater Schulman, Tom spent over a decade as a defense attorney, defending clients in matters involving product liability, commercial transportation, construction, and heavy industry. In 2020, Tom changed the focus of his practice to representing Plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death litigation. Tom’s dedication to his clients and successful results have earned him the respect of his peer attorneys; Tom was selected as an Illinois Superlawyers Rising Star in 2013 and consecutively from 2018- 2023.

Tom graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2005 with his B.A. in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics, where he also competed on the varsity swim team. He received his J.D. in 2008 from the University of Illinois College of Law, where he was a member of the Trial Team.

Tom has been a valuable member of the Slater Slater Schulman team since 2025 and is licensed to practice in Illinois and ​​the U.S. Federal District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Tom is also a proud member of the Northern District of Illinois Federal Trial Bar and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.

Admitted:

• Illinois
• U.S. Federal District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

• Sexual Abuse and Assault

• Juris Doctor Degree – University of Illinois College of Law
• B.A. in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics – University of Pennsylvania