How much does it cost to hire James for a civil rights case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does James offer a free consultation?

James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.

How long do civil rights cases in New York typically take?

Simple civil rights matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can James take my case if I'm outside Rochester?

James is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with James?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is James accepting new civil rights clients right now?

James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

James Nelson Thomas, Civil Rights Attorney in Rochester, New York

Over 32 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Consumer, and Contracts · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Founding PartneratThomas & Solomon LLP

Rochester, NY

Practicing civil rights in Rochester since 1994.

32+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
5: Bar admissions

Practices in

Civil Rights Consumer Contracts Discrimination Employment Sexual Harassment +1 more →

Are you James Nelson Thomas?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

James Nelson Thomas is a founding partner based in Rochester, NY. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Consumer, and Contracts. James has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thomas & Solomon LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Rochester, NY
Experience: over 32 years
Known for: Civil Rights · Consumer · Contracts

Handles Civil Rights, Consumer, and Contracts matters from Rochester, NY.
Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters James takes on

James concentrates on civil rights, consumer, contracts, discrimination, and employment. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Civil Rights cases in Rochester, New York

James takes civil rights matters in Rochester, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Consumer cases in Rochester, New York

James takes consumer matters in Rochester, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Contracts cases in Rochester, New York

James takes contracts matters in Rochester, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Discrimination cases in Rochester, New York

James takes discrimination matters in Rochester, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Rochester, New York

James takes employment matters in Rochester, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet James Nelson Thomas — civil rights lawyer in Rochester

Nelson Thomas is one of the founding partners of Thomas & Solomon LLP. He has more than a decade’s experience in employment law litigation and counsel. Mr. Thomas litigates a range of matters from complex employment class action lawsuits to litigation involving all types of individual workplace disputes, ranging from claims of illegal termination and harassment, to actions to recover unpaid benefits. His practice also includes negotiating severance packages, and advising on contractual issues, as well as clients’ rights in the workplace. He has spoken and written widely on these topics and has frequently led the panel discussions with judges around the country. While his practice today focuses on representing employees, he previously has represented numerous employers – from large international companies to local entrepreneurial start-ups, a depth of experience that gives him an edge in litigating cases for employees.

In 1999, the judges of the United States District Court for the Western District of New York awarded Mr. Thomas the Special Service Award for “his excellence in the vigorous representation of his clients.” In 2002, he received the 40 Under 40 Award, which honors leaders who have made a significant contribution to the Rochester community.

James's approach to civil rights cases

Clients James works with

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, consumer, and contracts matters in Rochester and the surrounding New York area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of Virginia
J.D. · 1993
Emory University
B.A. · 1990

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

Pennsylvania
2008 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1998 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1997 · ACTIVE
New York
1994 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1994 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in University of Virginia and B.A. in Emory University.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in University of Virginia and B.A. in Emory University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

James's professional memberships and bar associations

Monroe County, New York State (Member, Labor and Employment Law Section) and American (Member, Labor and Employment Law Section) Bar Associations
membership

Locations

James Nelson Thomas's office in Rochester

James's primary office is at 693 East Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14607. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Thomas & Solomon LLP

693 East Avenue

Rochester, NY 14607

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of James Nelson Thomas — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing civil rights attorneys in Rochester.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Nelson Thomas claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James Nelson Thomas — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Rochester, New York

A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James

James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every civil rights matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James Nelson Thomas

How much does it cost to hire James for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in New York typically take?
Simple civil rights matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Rochester?
James is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new civil rights clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by New York residents in the last few months, answered by civil rights attorneys like James Nelson Thomas. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can I sue my employer for racial discrimination in New York?
I work at a tech company in Manhattan, NY and I've been facing constant racial slurs and unequal treatment since I was hired. I've documented incidents and reported them to HR, but
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · New York
How can I challenge a discriminatory practice in a public school in Tennessee?
My son, who is Hispanic, is being treated unfairly in his public school in Memphis, TN. I believe this is due to discrimination. What legal steps can I take to challenge these prac
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Tennessee
What steps can I take after being denied service due to my religion in Massachusetts?
I was recently denied service at a café in Boston, MA, because of my religious attire. I feel this is a clear violation of my civil rights. What steps can I take legally to address
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Massachusetts
What can I do if a school discriminates against my child in Virginia?
My daughter was not allowed to participate in a school event in Richmond, VA, because of her disability. I feel this is discriminatory. What steps can I take to address this issue
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Virginia
Can I sue for discrimination after being denied a loan in Alabama?
I applied for a small business loan in Birmingham, AL, and was denied despite meeting all qualifications. I suspect my denial was based on my ethnicity. Can I pursue legal action a
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Alabama
How can I seek justice for discrimination in a government agency in Hawaii?
I faced discrimination while applying for services at a government agency in Honolulu, HI. They treated me unfairly due to my cultural background. What legal recourse do I have to
1 verified answer · Civil Rights · Hawaii

Areas served

Civil Rights attorneys serving Rochester and Albany in New York

James handles civil rights matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Rochester handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

James Nelson Thomas, Civil Rights Attorney in Rochester, New York

Quick answer

Legal matters James takes on