How much does it cost to hire Michael for a class action case?

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

Does Michael offer a free consultation?

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

How long do class action cases in Massachusetts typically take?

Simple class action 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Boston?

Michael is licensed in Massachusetts. Matters governed by Massachusetts law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael 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 Michael?

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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Michael accepting new class action clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Michael P. Thornton, Class Action Attorney in Boston, Massachusetts

Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Class Action, General, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Founder and ChairmanatThornton Law Firm LLP

Boston, MA

Practicing class action in Boston since 1975.

51+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
6: Bar admissions

Practices in

Class Action General Litigation Product Liability Whistleblower Workers Comp +1 more →

Are you Michael P. Thornton?

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.

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Quick answer

Michael P. Thornton is a founder and chairman based in Boston, MA. The practice focuses on Class Action, General, and Litigation. Michael has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thornton Law Firm LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Boston, MA
Experience: over 51 years
Known for: Class Action · General · Litigation

Handles Class Action, General, and Litigation matters from Boston, MA.
Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michael P. Thornton

Michael concentrates on class action, general, litigation, product liability, and whistleblower. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Class Action cases in Boston, Massachusetts

Michael takes class action matters in Boston, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

General cases in Boston, Massachusetts

Michael takes general matters in Boston, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Boston, Massachusetts

Michael takes litigation matters in Boston, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Product Liability cases in Boston, Massachusetts

Michael takes product liability matters in Boston, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Whistleblower cases in Boston, Massachusetts

Michael takes whistleblower matters in Boston, Massachusetts. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Michael P. Thornton — Over 51 years of Massachusetts class action experience

Michael P. Thornton is founder and chairman of Thornton Law Firm LLP. A nationally recognized expert on toxic tort litigation, Mr. Thornton graduated from Dartmouth College and Vanderbilt Law School. In the 1970’s he successfully undertook the representation of a number of shipyard and construction workers who had developed asbestos-related diseases. Over the years, the firm has grown to become the largest firm in the Northeast representing victims of asbestos and other toxic materials.

The firm has brought justice to workers who contracted cancer and other health issues from exposure to chemicals, defective drugs, and defective products, and to children who have suffered brain damage from lead poisoning and birth defects from chemicals and pesticides to which their parents were exposed.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and other states and local government have sought the firm’s expertise to address damage from threats to the public health. Multi-million dollar recovery from tobacco companies resulted from the firm’s work in these areas.

Mike has lead the firm to support many charitable causes; the most visible and important project involves cancer research. Mr. Thornton was approached by clinicians and researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital who were interested in studying mesothelioma, a then untreatable and invariably fatal form of asbestos related cancer. After making a multiyear commitment from his own firm, Mr. Thornton helped to recruit several other donors. The program, begun in 2002, has made groundbreaking strides in cancer research generally, and has helped to revolutionize the treatment of mesothelioma, leading to longer survival and better quality of life for victims of this disease.

Mr. Thornton also responded to a call to help establish a place for the families of mesothelioma victims to stay, as the financial impact of staying in hotels can be devastating. The Thornton House was opened in 2008 and houses up to nine families at a time.

Mr. Thornton is a member of the Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine bars. He has published a number of articles on legal subjects and has lectured at the Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard Medical School, and Yale Law School.

How Michael handles class action matters

Who Michael represents

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for class action, general, and litigation matters in Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts area.

Credentials

Michael P. Thornton's legal education and bar admissions

Vanderbilt University
J.D. · 1975
Dartmouth College
A.B. · 1972

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1984 · ACTIVE
Massachusetts
1982 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1979 · ACTIVE
Maine
1979 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1975 · ACTIVE
New Hampshire
1975 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Vanderbilt University and A.B. in Dartmouth College.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Vanderbilt University and A.B. in Dartmouth College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Massachusetts is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael P. Thornton

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

Massachusetts Bar Association American Bar Association The American Association for Justice
membership

Locations

Michael P. Thornton's office in Boston

Michael's primary office is at 84 State Street, 4th Floor, Boston, MA, 02109. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Thornton Law Firm LLP

84 State Street, 4th Floor

Boston, MA 02109

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael P. Thornton — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing class action attorneys in Boston.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael P. Thornton claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael P. Thornton — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a class action attorney in Boston, Massachusetts

A short list to run through before you commit: How many class action 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 Michael

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every class action 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael P. Thornton

How much does it cost to hire Michael for a class action case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some class action attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do class action cases in Massachusetts typically take?
Simple class action 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Boston?
Michael is licensed in Massachusetts. Matters governed by Massachusetts law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael 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 Michael?
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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new class action clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Class Action attorneys serving Boston, Cambridge and Worcester in Massachusetts

Michael handles class action matters throughout Massachusetts. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified class action attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these class action attorneys in Boston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.