Hourglass Legal Consulting is a distinguished corporate law firm based in Highland Park, Illinois, focusing primarily on mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Since its establishment in 2013 by Tom Wippman, Hourglass Legal has provided comprehensive legal services to many clients, including small and middle-market businesses, venture capital firms, and private equity-backed companies. These clients span sectors from business services to manufacturing, financial services, and for-profit education. The firm is renowned for its strategic legal guidance, enabling clients to navigate complex transactions and regulatory frameworks smoothly. With a philosophy centered around low overhead and a laser-focused approach, Hourglass Legal achieves efficient legal spending while minimizing unnecessary legal complexities, allowing the firm to close approximately two transactions monthly. Hourglass Legal's proficiency extends across business formation, mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, equity financings, and general commercial matters. It also offers ongoing support in corporate governance, contract negotiations, executive compensation, and labor and employment issues. It aims to facilitate success for entrepreneurs, emerging growth companies, and investors through high-quality, practical legal and strategic advice. He and his team prioritize building strong, enduring professional relationships with clients, guiding them through each phase of their business endeavors to ensure preparedness for high-value negotiations. He has served in pivotal roles as internal and external General Counsel for many clients, including private equity firms, independent sponsors, startups, and established corporations. Notably, he was Managing Director and General Counsel at Sterling Partners, a private equity firm overseeing more than $5 billion in assets, where he led the structuring, documenting, and negotiation of numerous significant transactions. His extensive expertise encompasses leveraging optimal legal practices to reduce risks and expenses while maximizing growth opportunities. He has handled various operational and transactional challenges, such as managing sales teams, negotiating vendor contracts, resolving product liability issues, and assisting prominent entrepreneurs and companies during critical startup and capitalization stages. With a career rich in achievements, he contributes invaluable insight and strategic acumen to his collaborations, enhancing growth opportunities and mitigating legal risks. His experience in mergers and acquisitions, sales, reorganizations, and sophisticated financial structures like warrants, options, and convertible debt is unmatched. Additionally, he offers seasoned management consulting to corporate executives, tackling day-to-day operational challenges and strategic issues such as investment structuring and financing. He earned his J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law and an A.B. in Economics from the University of Illinois. Hourglass Legal and he are consistently lauded by clients for their hands-on, strategic approach, delivering successful outcomes, and establishing a legacy of trust and efficacy in corporate law.