Michael Tod Thorsnes, Business Attorney in San Diego, California
Over 57 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of Counsel
San Diego, CA
Practicing business in San Diego since 1969.
- 57+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michael Tod Thorsnes?
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Quick answer
Michael Tod Thorsnes is an of counsel based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Litigation. Michael has over 57 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Diego, CA
- Experience
- over 57 years
- Known for
- Business · General · Litigation
- Handles Business, General, and Litigation matters from San Diego, CA.
- Over 57 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael Tod Thorsnes: Michael Tod Thorsnes is an of counsel based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Litigation. Michael has over 57 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael Tod Thorsnes
Michael concentrates on business, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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General
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Litigation
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Business cases in San Diego, California
Michael takes business matters in San Diego, California. 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 San Diego, California
Michael takes general matters in San Diego, California. 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 San Diego, California
Michael takes litigation matters in San Diego, California. 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 Tod Thorsnes — Over 57 years of California business experience
Michael Tod Thorsnes is an of counsel based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Litigation. Michael has over 57 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Michael Tod Thorsnes is a lawyer practicing business litigation, condemnation. Michael received a B.A. degree from San Diego State College in 1965, and has been licensed for 57 years. Michael practices in San Diego, CA.
How Michael handles business matters
Michael Tod Thorsnes is a lawyer practicing business litigation, condemnation. Michael received a B.A. degree from San Diego State College in 1965, and has been licensed for 57 years. Michael practices in San Diego, CA.
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and litigation matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Michael Tod Thorsnes's legal education and bar admissions
University of San Diego
J.D. · 1968
San Diego State College
B.A. · 1965
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1975 · ACTIVE
California
1969 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in University of San Diego and B.A. in San Diego State College.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in University of San Diego and B.A. in San Diego State College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael Tod Thorsnes
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Michael Tod Thorsnes's office in San Diego
Michael's primary office is at Fifth Avenue Financial Center, 1 Unknown, San Diego, CA, 92103-6612. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael Tod Thorsnes — 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 business attorneys in San Diego.
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 Tod Thorsnes claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael Tod Thorsnes — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business 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 business attorney in San Diego, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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 business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael Tod Thorsnes
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a business 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 business attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in California typically take?
Simple business 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 San Diego?
Michael is licensed in California. Matters governed by California 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 business 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
Business attorneys serving San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Michael handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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