Robert Merwin Thomas, Business Attorney in Palm Desert, California
Over 69 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Estate Planning, and General · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatThomas & Thomas, APC
Palm Desert, CA
Practicing business in Palm Desert since 1957.
- 69+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Robert Merwin Thomas?
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Quick answer
Robert Merwin Thomas is a member based in Palm Desert, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and General. Robert has over 69 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thomas & Thomas, APC. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Palm Desert, CA
- Experience
- over 69 years
- Known for
- Business · Estate Planning · General
- Handles Business, Estate Planning, and General matters from Palm Desert, CA.
- Over 69 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Robert Merwin Thomas: Robert Merwin Thomas is a member based in Palm Desert, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and General. Robert has over 69 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thomas & Thomas, APC. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Robert Merwin Thomas
Robert concentrates on business, estate planning, general, real estate, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Robert handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Estate Planning
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General
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Real Estate
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Trusts
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Business cases in Palm Desert, California
Robert takes business matters in Palm Desert, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Palm Desert, California
Robert takes estate planning matters in Palm Desert, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
General cases in Palm Desert, California
Robert takes general matters in Palm Desert, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Palm Desert, California
Robert takes real estate matters in Palm Desert, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Palm Desert, California
Robert takes trusts matters in Palm Desert, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Robert Merwin Thomas — Over 69 years of California business experience
Robert Merwin Thomas is a member based in Palm Desert, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and General. Robert has over 69 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Thomas & Thomas, APC. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Robert Merwin Thomas is a lawyer practicing real estate, trusts and estates, business law and 4 other areas of law. Robert received a A.B. degree from Stanford University, and has been licensed for 69 years. Robert practices at Thomas & Thomas, APC in Palm Desert, CA.
Robert's approach to business cases
Robert Merwin Thomas is a lawyer practicing real estate, trusts and estates, business law and 4 other areas of law. Robert received a A.B. degree from Stanford University, and has been licensed for 69 years. Robert practices at Thomas & Thomas, APC in Palm Desert, CA.
Clients Robert works with
Robert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate planning, and general matters in Palm Desert and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Robert Merwin Thomas's legal education and bar admissions
Stanford University LL.B.
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Stanford University A.B.
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Jurisdictions
Robert's state bar admissions
California
1957 · ACTIVE
Robert studied at — in Stanford University LL.B. and — in Stanford University A.B..
Law school and academic background
Robert completed — in Stanford University LL.B. and — in Stanford University A.B.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Robert runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Robert Merwin Thomas
Robert has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Office locations for Robert Merwin Thomas in Palm Desert, California
Robert's primary office is at Palm Desert, CA, 92261. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Robert Merwin Thomas — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Robert. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Palm Desert.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Robert Merwin Thomas claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Robert Merwin Thomas — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Robert usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Robert charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert'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; Robert will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Palm Desert, 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 Robert
Robert 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. Robert confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Robert'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 Robert Merwin Thomas
How much does it cost to hire Robert for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Robert walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Robert offer a free consultation?
Robert charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Robert'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. Robert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Robert take my case if I'm outside Palm Desert?
Robert 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 — Robert 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 Robert?
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. Robert will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Robert accepting new business clients right now?
Robert'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 Palm Desert, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Robert handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
- Palm Desert393 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 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
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in California
If Robert's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Palm Desert handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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