Thomas Sipp: The Attorney Who Took a Stand for Integrity
In the demanding and often high-pressure world of corporate law, it’s rare to see an attorney voluntarily walk away from a prestigious position on principle. Thomas Sipp is one of those rare exceptions. A highly accomplished legal professional with a stellar academic record, Sipp’s decision to resign from one of the most powerful law firms in the world—Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates—sent ripples through the legal community. His story is a testament to personal integrity, professional courage, and the willingness to place values over prestige.
This article explores the career of Thomas Sipp, from his early days in public service to his work as a corporate attorney, his resignation letter that drew attention nationwide, and the path that brought him to this defining moment.
Early Life and Academic Excellence
The Foundation: University of Texas Liberal Arts Honors Program
Thomas Sipp’s academic journey began at The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Government between 2016 and 2019. He was part of the Liberal Arts Honors Program, a competitive academic track that develops analytical thinking, leadership skills, and public service values. As a Bill Archer Fellow, Sipp demonstrated a strong commitment to policy, governance, and law from the very start.
During his undergraduate years, Sipp served as a Student Associate and Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, as well as an Admissions Reader, balancing academic rigor with roles that developed his communication, organizational, and mentoring skills. He also worked in diverse roles outside academia—from being a soccer coach to a sales associate—showcasing his work ethic and adaptability.
Legal Education at Columbia Law School
Rising Through Academic Ranks
Following his undergraduate success, Thomas Sipp attended Columbia Law School from 2020 to 2023. There, he distinguished himself as a James Kent Scholar, an honor reserved for students achieving the highest academic distinction. This recognition cemented his place among the top legal minds of his generation.
Columbia provided Sipp with the intellectual tools and professional network to enter elite legal practice, while his internship experiences broadened his understanding of law in both public and private sectors.
Early Legal Experience
Judicial and Prosecutorial Exposure
While in law school, Sipp gained invaluable practical experience. In Fall 2021, he served as a Judicial Intern at the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, working directly with the judiciary to understand the intricacies of federal law and court procedure.
In Spring 2022, Sipp joined the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in the Police Accountability Unit as a Legal Intern. This role exposed him to cases involving police conduct and reinforced his understanding of justice, ethics, and the role of prosecutors in maintaining public trust.
Public Policy and Legislative Work
Before law school, Sipp worked as a Legislative Intern for the United States Senate in Washington, D.C., in 2019. This role gave him firsthand exposure to the legislative process and the intersection between law, governance, and public policy. He also interned at the Modernizing Foreign Assistance Network (MFAN) in 2018, contributing to policy discussions on foreign aid effectiveness.
Joining Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates
The Pinnacle of Corporate Law
In September 2023, Thomas Sipp achieved what many law graduates dream of: securing a position as an Associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates, one of the world’s most prestigious and influential law firms. Skadden is known for representing Fortune 500 companies, handling complex litigation, and playing a significant role in global corporate transactions.
As a corporate associate, Sipp worked on high-profile cases and transactions in New York City, gaining the type of experience that many attorneys spend years striving to obtain.
The Turning Point: Resignation from Skadden
The Ethical Conflict
In March 2025, after one year and seven months at Skadden, Thomas Sipp made the bold decision to resign. Reports indicated that his departure was driven by deep ethical concerns over the firm’s stance and actions in a politically sensitive matter. For Sipp, the conflict was more than professional—it was moral.
The Resignation Letter
Sipp’s resignation letter made waves in the legal world. In it, he questioned how a firm could claim to represent justice and fairness while taking actions that he believed were contrary to those values. His words reflected a deep conviction that law is not just a business—it is a responsibility to society.
By resigning, Sipp chose integrity over career advancement, a choice that drew both admiration and debate. While some might see walking away from an elite position as a career risk, others viewed it as an act of leadership and moral courage.
Why His Resignation Matters
A Statement to the Legal Profession
Sipp’s departure from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates wasn’t just a personal decision—it was a public statement about the importance of aligning professional work with personal ethics. In an industry where prestige and billable hours often dominate, his move served as a reminder that lawyers also must uphold justice, not just client interests.
Inspiring the Next Generation
For law students and young attorneys, Sipp’s story offers a lesson: your career is defined not only by the titles you hold but also by the principles you defend. His decision to leave a top-tier firm due to ethical disagreements sends a message that moral courage is as valuable as legal skill.
Career Lessons from Thomas Sipp
1. Integrity Over Opportunity
The prestige of a role should never outweigh the importance of staying true to one’s values. Sipp’s decision shows that even in competitive environments, personal ethics can and should guide professional choices.
2. Diverse Experience Matters
From coaching soccer to interning at the United States Senate, Sipp’s varied background enriched his perspective and made him a more adaptable, well-rounded attorney.
3. Public and Private Sector Insights
By working in legislative offices, judicial chambers, and corporate law, Sipp developed a comprehensive understanding of the legal system—a combination that strengthened his professional voice.
What’s Next for Thomas Sipp?
While Sipp’s immediate plans post-Skadden remain private, his track record suggests he will continue to work in ways that align with his values—whether in public service, policy, or advocacy. His legal expertise, academic excellence, and principled leadership position him to make an impact wherever he goes.
Conclusion
Thomas Sipp is more than just another attorney with an impressive résumé. He is a Columbia Law graduate, a James Kent Scholar, a public servant, and a lawyer who made a choice that reflects the highest ideals of the profession. His journey from the University of Texas Liberal Arts Honors Program to the halls of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates, and ultimately to his principled resignation, is a reminder that true professional success is measured not only in positions held but in values upheld.
In an age where legal professionals face increasing pressure to compromise, Sipp’s example stands out—a lawyer who chose to live his principles, even when it meant walking away from one of the most coveted jobs in the legal world.
