Title: Partner
Direct: (202) 967-4101
Mobile: (301) 980-1700
Email: tmills@millsblack.com

vCARD: Tom Mills

Tom Mills, Partner

Thomas Mills is the senior member of Mills Black’s maritime practice. He is licensed to practice in the District of Columbia, and a member of the American Bar Association. He received a B.S. from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1970, and a J.D., with honors, from the George Washington University National Law Center in 1975, where he was a member of the Law Review and Order of the Coif. During the period from 1970 to 1975, Mr. Mills served in the United States Coast Guard. 

Mr. Mills concentrates on litigation, transactional and legislative matters for maritime and other commercial concerns. He is an expert in congressional organization and procedures and has assisted clients regarding numerous legislative matters before Congress. Mr. Mills represents clients in all areas of maritime transportation including shipbuilders, energy companies and major carriers—primarily those operating under U.S.-flag, as well as Commercial banks, and investment groups. His expertise covers the complex U.S. laws regulating and promoting shipping, including the “coastwise” laws and those relating to safety and the environment. Mr. Mills has participated in the acquisition, construction contracting, and financing of hundreds of commercial vessels.  Mr. Mills has had a major role in U.S. maritime policy initiatives, including the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Anti-Reflagging Act of 1987, the cargo preference compromise in the Food Security Act of 1985, the Maritime Security Act of 1996, and the Maritime Security Act of 2003.

After tours on the United States Coast Guard Cutter VALIANT and at Coast Guard Headquarters, Mr. Mills began the practice of law in 1975 at Kominers, Fort, Schlefer & Boyer. He became a partner in 1980, and managing partner in 1983. In 1985, Mr. Mills established a new firm, Dyer, Ellis, Joseph & Mills where he stayed until accepting an offer to head the Health Care and Maritime practice at Winston & Strawn. In early 2020, Mr. Mills left to found Mills Black LLP.

Mr. Mills has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the United States Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association and on the United States Coast Guard Academy Board of Trustees.