LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2025: Tom Froehle

Partner and chair emeritus, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath

University of Michigan Law School, 1988

From the law firm board room to economic development projects across Indiana, attorney Tom Froehle has left an impressive imprint.

Froehle, partner and chair emeritus at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath, led the forerunners of his current firm through two significant mergers, ultimately putting it among the 50 largest firms in the nation.

As a public finance attorney, he put his stamp on some of the largest economic development projects in the state over the past 30 years—from the Honda assembly plant in Greensburg to Lucas Oil Stadium and the NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis.

“His vision and leadership have helped drive positive change and growth in the legal industry and state of Indiana,” Kathy Osborn, a Faegre Drinker partner, said in her award nomination for Froehle.

For all of these accomplishments and for his contributions to civic groups and his ongoing mentoring of up-and-coming attorneys, The Indiana Lawyer selected Froehle as its Leadership in Law Lifetime Achievement Award winner for 2025.

We asked him to share some thoughts about his career.

Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?

Two different reasons. First, like many young idealists, I thought I wanted to be a United States senator, and the law seemed like the best preparation for that important work. Second, I had an uncle who was a lawyer in Kokomo. I admired that he was essentially running his own business with plenty of autonomy to help clients solve problems and accomplish their goals.

Who is someone who has inspired you in your career?

David Johnson, a partner in our firm and my mentor when I was a young lawyer, has been instrumental throughout my career. He is brilliant, strategic, and practical with high EQ. He taught me what it meant to be a great lawyer and leader as well as modeling the important role lawyers play in helping clients solve problems and leading in our community.

What is something you wish people knew about lawyers?

The movies, television and perhaps a miniscule percentage of lawyers can give the profession a bad name. Most lawyers I know and work with are good people who work very hard and want to do a great job for their clients. Just as importantly, lawyers I know are committed to their families, friends and communities. They contribute in so many ways.

Tell us about a “lesson learned moment” in your career.

When I was a very young lawyer, I screwed something up and had to tell the head of the practice group. I was convinced the world would end, and I would lose my job. He told me two things. First, he told me to remember we aren’t doctors and our mistakes aren’t going to cost anyone their lives. And second, in this profession almost any mistake can be fixed if you recognize and acknowledge it early. Of course, he was right, and we fixed the mistake without the world missing a beat – and I kept my job.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

I have received lots of great advice but two pieces in particular have stuck with me. First, listen at least twice as much as you talk. And, second, be curious and ask lots of questions.

Tell us something surprising about yourself.

I had quite a year in 5th grade. I rode up a ski chair lift in Colorado with Liza Minelli and met Lucille Ball, who was sharing a hospital room with my sister after both had broken their legs skiing. And that same year, I performed in the opera Carmen at the Musical Arts Center at Indiana University. I was a street urchin and ran across the stage a couple of times while singing as part of the chorus. While I have continued to ski, that was my last and only musical performance.

What advice would you give young people who want to become attorneys?

Law is a terrific profession. Law school is great intellectual training, and being a lawyer can open the doors to so many different opportunities that are likely well beyond what you might think of for lawyers. Legal training and practice also create opportunities to meaningfully contribute to your community. Lawyers are people who can make a difference for others in the world.

What has been the proudest moment of your career?

Perhaps I’ll share two. The first is when I was admitted as a partner at my firm. I had such admiration for my colleagues at the firm and knowing that my peers had made that decision made me very proud. The honor and privilege of working alongside them is never something I take for granted. The second would be attending the grand opening of the Honda manufacturing facility in Greensburg. We represented Honda in shepherding the acquisition of 2,000 acres of land, financing and construction of the massive infrastructure project, all sorts of permitting and other regulatory approvals which ultimately led to the completion of a state-of-the-art facility with 2,000 employees. It was a complicated project that required a collaborative team effort with a great outcome for our state.

You have the distinction of having led and navigated two large law firm combinations. Aside from those significant accomplishments, what do you hope your legacy will be?

Legacy is a big word. Maybe what it boils down to is making sure we leave others prepared to succeed and thrive in their own way which allows the next generation to do even better than we did. So, my only hope for legacy is that there will be some individuals who feel like I made a difference in their careers and lives. Many people helped pave the way for me and I hope I have done, and will continue to do, that for others.

What makes a good lawyer?

I think empathy is one of the most important qualities that distinguishes the best lawyers. It’s important to try to put yourself in your client’s shoes, understand their point of view and figure out how you can be most helpful to them. Lawyers who do that become trusted advisers whom clients know they can rely on in the most challenging situations.•

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