Thomas is a skilled litigator with a solid background of handling a myriad of complex cases from inception to jury verdict, and has represented clients during mediation and arbitration throughout California. He has more than 20 years of experience in transactional and civil litigation, including construction defects, commercial litigation and personal injury. Thomas’s representative experience includes handling client matters for municipalities. His professional affiliations include several associations related to housing and construction, as well as real estate.
Prior to joining Litchfield Cavo LLP, Thomas was a practicing general counsel at a multi-state health care corporation where he established their legal department. During his tenure, he supervised and managed inside counsel who handled Affordable Care Act cases, and outside litigation counsel. Previously, Thomas worked as general counsel at multiple real estate development companies where he gained experience managing corporate risk, compliance, mergers and acquisitions. He also handled their litigation management, negotiation and dispute resolution, and established one of the real estate company’s legal department.
Practices
Education
- Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, JD, 1988
- Moot Court Honors Board
- National Trial Team
- American Jurisprudence Award – Trail Practice
- California State University at Sonoma, BA, Philosophy, 1982
Admissions
- California
- United States District Courts: Central District of California, Northern District of California, Southern District of California
- United States Court of Appeals: Ninth Circuit
Affiliations
- Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), Former Member
- Los Angeles County Superior Court
- Judge Pro Tem
- Alternative Dispute Resolution Program
- Placer County Superior Court, Judge Pro Tem
Professional Memberships
- The State Bar of California, Member
- California Building Industry Association (CBIA), Former Member
- Board of Directors, Former (2013 – 2014)
- Insurance and Risk Management Committee, Former Member (2007 – 2008)
- Strategic Planning Task Force, Former Member (2007 – 2008)
Certifications
Languages
- English
Presentations/Publications
- Risk Management Conference, General Topic Speaker, California Building Industry Association (2005 – 2007)