Tom Froehle

Partner and Chair Emeritus

Overview

Tom Froehle is chair emeritus of Faegre Drinker, having concluded his term as co-chair of the firm in March 2023. Commencing in February 2020, Tom, along with Andy Kassner, oversaw the strategic direction and implementation of priorities and strategic initiatives at the firm. In his leadership role, Tom advocated for constant innovation and adaptation to clients’ changing needs and expectations. He focused on the power of teams and building a firm culture focused on collaboration, delivering excellence without arrogance, and valuing a diverse, respectful and inclusive work environment.

A leader on law firm change management, Tom navigated two of the largest like-size firm combinations. As managing partner at Faegre Baker Daniels, he chaired the firm's management board and executive committee and guided FaegreBD through its 2020 combination with Drinker Biddle & Reath. As chair and chief executive partner at Baker & Daniels, Tom led the firm in its combination with Faegre & Benson to create Faegre Baker Daniels in 2012.

Public Finance and Economic Development

In his legal practice, Tom has served government and corporate clients for more than 30 years. He combines transactional and finance skills with a deep understanding of government and related regulatory processes. Tom has represented corporate clients such as Honda, United Airlines and the NCAA seeking to partner with state and local governments on economic development incentives and public-private partnerships. Tom has served as bond counsel for a variety of governmental entities, including state instrumentalities, universities, school corporations, cities and related entities. He also has represented national and regional investment banking firms.

Related Industries

Related Topics

Credentials

Bar Admissions

Indiana

Education

University of Michigan Law School
J.D. cum laude (1988)

Indiana University
B.A. magna cum laude (1985)

Insights & Events

Other Perspectives
  • The Evolving Role of the Law Firm General Counsel
    Lex Mundi Managing Partners Conference
  • Management Transition and Client Assessments
    Lex Mundi Managing Partners Conference
  • Economic Development Incentives
    National Council on Urban Economic Development
  • Economic Development & Municipal Finance
    Association of Indiana Counties
  • Tax-Exempt Bonds
    Indiana Affordable Housing Conference
  • Economic Development and Public Finance
    Various Seminars Presented by Faegre Baker Daniels

Leadership & Community

Professional Associations

  • Indianapolis Bar Association
  • Indiana State Bar Association 
  • American Bar Association
  • National Association of Bond Lawyers
  • Indianapolis Bar Foundation — Board of Directors, 2003-09; Treasurer, 2008-09

Civic Activities

  • Indiana Repertory Theatre — Board of Directors, 2009-present (Chair, 2017-19)
  • Twin Cities Diversity in Practice — Board of Directors, 2017-23
  • Minnesota Business Partnership, 2018-23
  • Zeta Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta House Corporation — Board of Directors and Secretary, 1994-99; Board of Directors, 2017-23
  • Indiana Sports Corp. — Board of Directors, 2009-17
  • Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School — Trustee, 2010-16
  • Indianapolis Public School 39 — Volunteer, 2001-17
  • Indianapolis Downtown Inc. — Board of Directors, 2008-12
  • United Way Tocqueville Council — Board of Directors, 2009-11, 2016-17
  • Indianapolis Economic Development Advisory Board, 2003-07
  • Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee — Vice Chairman, 2000-05; Treasurer, 2005-07
  • Indiana University Kelley School of Business Alumni Association — Board of Directors, 2000-03
  • Indianapolis Urban League — Board of Directors, 1995-2005; Executive Committee, 1995-98
  • Pike Youth Soccer Club — Coach, 2000-03; Fields Advisory Committee, 2002-06
  • New Hope Presbyterian Church — Financial Secretary, 1997-99

Firm Leadership

  • Co-Chair and Executive Leadership Team, 2020-23
  • Diversity and Inclusion Committee
  • Faegre Baker Daniels LLP — Chief Operating Partner, 2012-17; Chair and Managing Partner, 2017-20
  • Baker & Daniels LLP — Chair and Chief Executive Partner, 2008-11

Honors

  • IBJ Media — Indiana 250, 2022
  • American Bar Foundation — Fellow, 2017
  • The Indiana Lawyer — Distinguished Barrister Award, 2017
  • Best Lawyers® — Corporate Law, 2006-25; Gaming Law, 2006-25 (Lawyer of the Year, 2017); Public Finance Law, 2005-25 (Lawyer of the Year, 2012, 2022)
  • Indiana Super Lawyers — Government Finance, 2004-19
  • Indiana Bar Foundation — Fellow, 2012
  • Indianapolis Business Journal — Who's Who in Law, 2011
  • Building Indiana — Who's Who in Indiana, 2011
  • Indianapolis Bar Foundation — Distinguished Fellow, 2004
  • Indiana Youth Soccer Association — Region VIII Parent of the Year, 2003
  • Indianapolis Business Journal — Forty Under 40 Award, 2001
  • Phi Beta Kappa — Indiana University, 1985