Thomas H. Brinkley

As a long-time member of the Firm’s Economic Development practice group, Tom specializes in identifying and procuring tax incentive packages for businesses in the State of Alabama, whether for existing Alabama entities, international concerns, or businesses looking to build and establish operations in Alabama, as well as site selection activities. His list of clients that he has advised includes companies based in Japan, Germany, Canada, France, England, Korea, and China. With a current focus on the automotive and aviation/aerospace sectors, Tom represents all types of public and private companies in the service and manufacturing sectors. Tom has represented two of the largest technology companies building multi-billion-dollar data centers in Alabama. 

In addition to his Economic Development practice, Tom handles Alabama state and local tax legislation, compliance, and controversy work. He also devotes a substantial portion of his practice to representing and advising privately held companies in general corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, business and tax planning, and corporate finance.

Tom's talents have earned him recognition by Best Lawyers® as a leader in the areas of Corporate Law, Economic Development Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law, and Tax Law since 2006. He was named by Best Lawyers® as the 2017 and 2024 "Lawyer of the Year" in the area of Economic Development Law, a distinction given to only one attorney in each geographic area, and "Best of the Bar" by Alabama publications in 2019 and again in 2020.

Community & Professional

• Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA), Board of Directors
• American Bar Association, Section of Taxation
• Alabama State Bar Association, Tax Section, Past Chair
• Business Council of Alabama, Tax Committee
• Alabama Aerospace Industry Association
• Economic Development Association of Alabama
• Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association
• Alabama-Germany Partnership, Board of Directors
• The Japan American Society of Alabama
• Virginia Club of Birmingham (Past President)
• Jefferson Scholarship Regional Selection Committee for UVA
• Habitat for Humanity
• Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs (Past Chairman of Board; Past President)
• Exceptional Foundation, Past Member of Board of Directors

Recognition

• The Best Lawyers in America© for Corporate Law, Economic Development Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law, and Tax Law (2006-present)
• Mid-South Super Lawyers for Business/Corporate Law (2011-2014; 2017-present)
• B-Metro, Selected as a Top Attorney (2020)
• Best of the Bar® 2019 Birmingham Business Journal
• Best Lawyers® 2017, 2024 "Lawyer of the Year" for Economic Development Law
• Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent Rating

Blog Posts

Podcasts