
Steven Wayne Thornton, Business Attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana
Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Employment, and Estate Planning · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratBarnes & Thornburg LLP
Indianapolis, IN
Practicing business in Indianapolis since 1983.
- 43+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Steven Wayne Thornton?
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Quick answer
Steven Wayne Thornton is a partner based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Estate Planning. Steven has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Indianapolis, IN
- Experience
- over 43 years
- Known for
- Business · Employment · Estate Planning
- Handles Business, Employment, and Estate Planning matters from Indianapolis, IN.
- Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Steven Wayne Thornton: Steven Wayne Thornton is a partner based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Estate Planning. Steven has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Steven takes on
Steven concentrates on business, employment, estate planning, general, and m&a. Each area below outlines the kind of case Steven handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Employment
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Estate Planning
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General
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M&A
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Securities
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Business cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
Steven takes business matters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steven agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
Steven takes employment matters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steven agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
Steven takes estate planning matters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steven agrees to represent you.
General cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
Steven takes general matters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steven agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
Steven takes m&a matters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steven agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Steven Wayne Thornton — business lawyer in Indianapolis
Steven Wayne Thornton is a partner based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on Business, Employment, and Estate Planning. Steven has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Steven Wayne Thornton is a lawyer practicing general practice, corporate, banking & financial services and 12 other areas of law. Steven received a B.S. degree from Miami University in 1980, and has been licensed for 43 years. Steven practices at Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Indianapolis, IN.
Working with Steven on a business matter
Steven Wayne Thornton is a lawyer practicing general practice, corporate, banking & financial services and 12 other areas of law. Steven received a B.S. degree from Miami University in 1980, and has been licensed for 43 years. Steven practices at Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Indianapolis, IN.
Who Steven represents
Steven reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, employment, and estate planning matters in Indianapolis and the surrounding Indiana area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Ohio State University
J.D. · 1983
Miami University
B.S. · 1980
Jurisdictions
Steven's state bar admissions
Indiana
1983 · ACTIVE
Steven studied at J.D. in Ohio State University and B.S. in Miami University.
Law school and academic background
Steven completed J.D. in Ohio State University and B.S. in Miami University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Steven runs in Indiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Steven has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Steven Wayne Thornton's office in Indianapolis
Steven's primary office is at 11 South Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46204. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Steven Wayne Thornton — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Steven. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Indianapolis.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Steven Wayne Thornton claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Steven Wayne Thornton — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Steven usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Steven charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steven'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; Steven will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana
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 Steven
Steven 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. Steven confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Steven'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 Steven Wayne Thornton
How much does it cost to hire Steven for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Steven walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Steven offer a free consultation?
Steven charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steven's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Steven's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Indiana 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. Steven gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Steven take my case if I'm outside Indianapolis?
Steven is licensed in Indiana. Matters governed by Indiana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Steven 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 Steven?
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. Steven will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Steven accepting new business clients right now?
Steven'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 Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Carmel in Indiana
Steven handles business matters throughout Indiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Steven's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Indianapolis handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





