How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a business case?

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

Does Thomas offer a free consultation?

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

How long do business cases in Ohio 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. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Shelby?

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

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

Is Thomas accepting new business clients right now?

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

Thomas Alan Depler, Business Attorney in Shelby

Quick answer

Thomas Alan Depler is a president based in Shelby, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Family Law. Thomas has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Poland, Depler and Shepherd Co., L.P.A.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Shelby, OH
Experience: over 51 years
Known for: Business · Elder Law · Family Law

Handles Business, Elder Law, and Family Law matters from Shelby, OH.
Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Thomas Alan Depler

Thomas concentrates on business, elder law, family law, general, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Shelby, Ohio

Thomas takes business matters in Shelby, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.

Elder Law cases in Shelby, Ohio

Thomas takes elder law matters in Shelby, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Shelby, Ohio

Thomas takes family law matters in Shelby, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.

General cases in Shelby, Ohio

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

Probate cases in Shelby, Ohio

Thomas takes probate matters in Shelby, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Thomas Alan Depler — Over 51 years of Ohio business experience

Thomas Alan Depler is a president based in Shelby, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Family Law. Thomas has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Poland, Depler and Shepherd Co., L.P.A.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Thomas Alan Depler is a lawyer practicing corporate, business, trust and 9 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.S. in B.A. degree from Bowling Green State University in 1971, and has been licensed for 51 years. Thomas practices at Poland, Depler and Shepherd Co., L.P.A. in Shelby, OH.

Thomas's approach to business cases

Thomas Alan Depler is a lawyer practicing corporate, business, trust and 9 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.S. in B.A. degree from Bowling Green State University in 1971, and has been licensed for 51 years. Thomas practices at Poland, Depler and Shepherd Co., L.P.A. in Shelby, OH.

Clients Thomas works with

Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, elder law, and family law matters in Shelby and the surrounding Ohio area.

Credentials

Thomas Alan Depler's legal education and bar admissions

Ohio Northern University
J.D. · 1975
Bowling Green State University
B.S. · 1971

Jurisdictions

Thomas's state bar admissions

U.S. Supreme Court
2006 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1981 · ACTIVE
Ohio
1975 · ACTIVE

Thomas studied at J.D. in Ohio Northern University and B.S. in Bowling Green State University.

Law school and academic background

Thomas completed J.D. in Ohio Northern University and B.S. in Bowling Green State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Thomas Alan Depler

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

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

Thomas Alan Depler's office in Shelby

Thomas's primary office is at 6 Water Street, Shelby, OH, 44875-1297. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Poland, Depler and Shepherd Co., L.P.A.

6 Water Street

Shelby, OH 44875-1297

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Thomas Alan Depler — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

4.4

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Thomas Alan Depler — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a business attorney in Shelby, Ohio

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 Thomas

Thomas 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. Thomas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Thomas'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 Thomas Alan Depler

How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Thomas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Thomas offer a free consultation?
Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Ohio 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. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Shelby?
Thomas is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Thomas 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 Thomas?
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. Thomas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Thomas accepting new business clients right now?
Thomas'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 Ohio residents in the last few months, answered by business attorneys like Thomas Alan Depler. Each link opens the full answer thread.

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What Are The Filing Requirements For A DBA In Nevada?
I want to operate my online business under a different name in Las Vegas, Nevada, but I’m not sure what the filing requirements are for a DBA (Doing Business As). What do I need to
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Can I Franchise My Business Without Legal Help In Minnesota?
I’ve been running a successful coffee shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I want to franchise it. I’m not sure if I can handle the legal side of franchising on my own. Is it advisa
1 verified answer · Business · Minnesota

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Shelby, Columbus and Cleveland in Ohio

Thomas handles business matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

Thomas Alan Depler, Business Attorney in Shelby, Ohio

Quick answer