How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.

How long do bankruptcy cases in California typically take?

Simple bankruptcy 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 San Francisco?

Thomas 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 — 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 bankruptcy 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 Arthur Counts, Bankruptcy Attorney

Quick answer

Thomas Arthur Counts is a partner, litigation department based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Class Action. Thomas has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Paul Hastings LLP.

Based in: San Francisco, CA
Experience: over 36 years
Known for: Bankruptcy · Business · Class Action

Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Class Action matters from San Francisco, CA.
Over 36 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Thomas's practice areas in San Francisco

Thomas concentrates on bankruptcy, business, class action, consumer, and copyright. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Bankruptcy cases in San Francisco, California

Thomas takes bankruptcy matters in San Francisco, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Business cases in San Francisco, California

Thomas takes business matters in San Francisco, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Class Action cases in San Francisco, California

Thomas takes class action matters in San Francisco, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Consumer cases in San Francisco, California

Thomas takes consumer matters in San Francisco, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Copyright cases in San Francisco, California

Thomas takes copyright matters in San Francisco, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Biography

Thomas Arthur Counts, bankruptcy attorney serving San Francisco

Thomas Arthur Counts is a partner, litigation department based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Class Action. Thomas has over 36 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Paul Hastings LLP. Thomas works from San Francisco, California and takes on bankruptcy matters across the region.

Thomas Arthur Counts is a lawyer practicing estate planning and probate, copyright, it/e-commerce and 18 other areas of law. Thomas received a A.B. degree from Stanford University in 1983, and has been licensed for 36 years. Thomas practices at Paul Hastings LLP in San Francisco, CA.

Thomas's approach to bankruptcy cases

Thomas Arthur Counts is a lawyer practicing estate planning and probate, copyright, it/e-commerce and 18 other areas of law. Thomas received a A.B. degree from Stanford University in 1983, and has been licensed for 36 years. Thomas practices at Paul Hastings LLP in San Francisco, CA.

Clients Thomas works with

Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and class action matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Thomas studied and practices

University of California Berkeley School of Law
J.D. · 1990
Stanford University
A.B. Stanford · 1983

Jurisdictions

Thomas's state bar admissions

Oregon
2024 · ACTIVE
California
1990 · ACTIVE

Thomas studied at J.D. in University of California Berkeley School of Law and A.B. Stanford in Stanford University.

Law school and academic background

Thomas completed J.D. in University of California Berkeley School of Law and A.B. Stanford in Stanford University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Thomas Arthur Counts's office in San Francisco

Thomas's primary office is at 55 Second Street, Twenty-Fourth Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94105. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Paul Hastings LLP

55 Second Street, Twenty-Fourth Floor

San Francisco, CA 94105

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Thomas Arthur Counts

Thomas has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with Thomas Arthur Counts can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire Thomas Arthur Counts — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorney in San Francisco, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Thomas Arthur Counts

How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in California typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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 San Francisco?
Thomas 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 — 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 bankruptcy 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 California residents in the last few months, answered by bankruptcy attorneys like Thomas Arthur Counts. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What Happens To My House When I File Bankruptcy In California?
I live in Los Angeles, California, and I'm about to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. My home is currently worth around $600,000, but I owe $400,000 on the mortgage. I’m worried about
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · California
Does Filing Bankruptcy Stop Foreclosure In New York?
I’m facing foreclosure on my home in Buffalo, New York, and I’m considering filing for bankruptcy as a last resort. My mortgage lender has already sent me a notice. If I file for C
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · New York
How Much Will Bankruptcy Cost Me In Michigan?
I live in Detroit, Michigan, and I’m exploring my bankruptcy options. I’ve heard filing can be expensive, but I need to know what to expect in terms of legal fees and court costs.
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Michigan
Can I Get A Loan After Filing Bankruptcy In Washington?
I filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Seattle, Washington, six months ago, and I'm starting to think about my financial future. How soon can I apply for a personal loan after bankrup
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Washington
What Are The Consequences Of Bankruptcy In Maryland?
I’m considering bankruptcy in Baltimore, Maryland, and I'm worried about the potential consequences, like losing property or having my credit ruined. What are some common consequen
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Maryland
Can Bankruptcy Help With Medical Bills In Texas?
I racked up around $15,000 in medical bills after an emergency surgery last year in Houston, Texas. I’m struggling to keep up with payments, and I’m considering bankruptcy. Will fi
1 verified answer · Bankruptcy · Texas

Areas served

Bankruptcy attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California

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