Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
PRO
Free Consultation
I'm a personal-injury attorney who works around YOUR schedule—not the other way around.
Need to meet before your factory shift? After you put the kids to bed? Saturday morning? I'm there. I've spent nearly 30 years helping neighbors throughout Elkhart and St. Joseph counties get the compensation they deserve after accidents.
What sets me apart? I actually take cases to trial and win. The Indiana Jury Verdict Reporter recognized me as Indiana's most prolific civil trial lawyer in 2018 and again in 2022 (I was also the runner-up in 2011). This matters because insurance companies know which attorneys settle quickly versus who will fight all the way for you.
I speak plain English, not legalese. When you're dealing with medical bills and lost work after an injury, you need clear answers, not legal jargon.
I've represented clients from RV factory workers to healthcare professionals throughout northern Indiana, handling everything from auto accidents to wrongful-death cases.
When not fighting for my clients, I'm enjoying life as a recent empty-nester with my wife, Stephanie, tending my garden, and occasionally quoting Monty Python.
6
Practice Areas
30 years
30 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
$ 300-500 per hour
25%-33%
State: Indiana
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Other places you can find J. online.
40 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | May 27, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Tom Vetne is great to work with and is highly recommended!
When you have the misfortune of people taking advantage of others (and the system at large), it is a nerve wracking experience. In working with Tom, I was immediately eased and assured about how to deal with the circumstances and became well-informed about how to navigate an otherwise intimidating pr...
Posted by Mike | April 19, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Excellent Job
Never having been involved in a lawsuit before, I found Mr. Vente to be very personable, his demeanor was confident and experienced. He answered all of my questions, explained what the process was going to be, I felt confident that he would have my best interest in mind. He was with me through the ...
Posted by Sandra | April 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Litigation
Trial
Tom went above and beyond. As I sat daily worried about trial Tom continued to tell me not to worry because he wasn't worried. The exceptional meticulous work he did for us was amazing. He followed through with every question we had. The day we walked into trial Tom had it from every angel there was ...
Posted by Michael Ganz | November 16, 2014 | Lawsuits & Disputes
BEST ATTORNEY I've ever had...
I am involved in a slip and fall lawsuit where I was sued for negligence and lost. The attorney I had originally hired was horrible, typical Attorney that never followed up or returned a phone call. Jan Thomas Vetnebis handling my appeal, he's on top of everything and has had a sense of urgency...
Posted by Julia | November 04, 2014 | Litigation
Great lawyer to have in your corner!
I was very satisfied and super happy with Tom. He took all of the stress on himself and let my husband and I relax. I loved when he told us that we were paying him to do the worrying for us. It was a beautiful sight to see him do his litigating in action. He really does his homework and knows the law...
"I endorse this lawyer. Tom is a very talented and creative attorney. I've known Tom for over twenty years and he's as good as they come!! Hire him with confidence!!!"
"Tom is an experienced trial attorney who has the unique ability to connect with a jury. He is thoughtful in his approach to every case and sensitive to his client's particular needs."
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2022
Most Prolific Trial Attorney, Indiana Jury Verdict Reporter
2018
Most Prolific Trial Attorney, Indiana Jury Verdict Reporter
2016
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers
2015
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2015
Award of Distinction, Center For Plain Language
2014
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Superb Rating, AVVO
2012
Certificate of Appreciation for redrafting the local rules, Local Rules Committee, Northern District of Indiana
2011
Most Prolific Trial Attorney - runner up, Indiana Jury Verdict Reporter
2009
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
1993
Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Beta Kappa
1992
Winner, Center for Asian Studies Essay Contest, Center for Asian Studies, University of Texas at Austin
N/A
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
N/A
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2024 - Present
Partner, Chester Law Office
2023 - 2024
Partner, Hunt Suedhoff Kearney LLP
2000 - 2022
Partner, Jones Obenchain LLP
1998 - 1999
Guest Lecturer, Andrews University
1996 - 2000
Attorney, Steven A. Johnson & Associates
2025 - Present
Indiana Trial Lawyers AssociationSustaining Member
2012 - 2015
DTCIAttorney Member
2010 - 2013
Local rules Committee, Northern District of IndianaAttorney Member
2003 - 2003
Adult Leadership South Bend/MishawakaClass of 2003
Attorney Member
Attorney Member
Secretary
Malibu dismissed the case rather than go to trial. Jane Doe didn't pay a dime in settlement
Defense verdict for defendants
Directed verdict for my client
Judgment for Amanda Singleton
1996
JD - Juris Doctor
1993
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2025
Plain language for lawyers
2024
Seven habits of highly effective lawyers
2017
Legal writing
2016
Arguments for discipline in ineffective-assistance claims
2016
Deconstructing a Posner opinion to improve your legal writing
2015
Spoliation of Evidence
2013
Hot Topics in Indiana Law
2012
Indiana Law Update
2011
Indiana Law Update
N/A
Plain English Rules Revision
English