Thomas C. Viles, Appellate Attorney in New York
Over 38 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Criminal Defense
Practice Area AttorneyatCravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
New, NY
Practicing appellate in New York since 1988.
- 38+
- Years practicing
- 4
- Bar admissions
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Quick answer
Thomas C. Viles is a practice area attorney based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Criminal Defense. Thomas has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP.
- Based in
- New York, NY
- Experience
- over 38 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Civil Rights · Criminal Defense
- Handles Appellate, Civil Rights, and Criminal Defense matters from New York, NY.
- Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Thomas C. Viles: Thomas C. Viles is a practice area attorney based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Criminal Defense. Thomas has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP.
Areas of practice
Thomas's practice areas in New York
Thomas concentrates on appellate, civil rights, criminal defense, employment, and international. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Civil Rights
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Criminal Defense
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Employment
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International
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Litigation
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Appellate cases in New York
Thomas takes appellate matters in New York. 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.
Civil Rights cases in New York
Thomas takes civil rights matters in New York. 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.
Criminal Defense cases in New York
Thomas takes criminal defense matters in New York. 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.
Employment cases in New York
Thomas takes employment matters in New York. 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.
International cases in New York
Thomas takes international matters in New York. 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 C. Viles, appellate attorney serving New York
Thomas C. Viles is a practice area attorney based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Criminal Defense. Thomas has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP. Thomas works from New York and takes on appellate matters across the region.
Thomas C. Viles is a lawyer practicing appeals, civil rights, criminal defense and 3 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from Harvard University in 1980, and has been licensed for 38 years. Thomas practices at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP in New York, NY.
Working with Thomas on a appellate matter
Thomas C. Viles is a lawyer practicing appeals, civil rights, criminal defense and 3 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from Harvard University in 1980, and has been licensed for 38 years. Thomas practices at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP in New York, NY.
Clients Thomas works with
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, civil rights, and criminal defense matters across New York.
Credentials
Credentials — where Thomas studied and practices
New York University School of Law
J.D. University · 1987
Harvard University
B.A. University · 1980
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
1991 · ACTIVE
Massachusetts
1991 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
1991 · ACTIVE
New York
1988 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. University in New York University School of Law and B.A. University in Harvard University.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. University in New York University School of Law and B.A. University in Harvard University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Thomas's professional memberships and bar associations
John Thornely Law Fellow, Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge University, 1997-2000. Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Lauterpacht Centre for International Law, Cambridge University, 1999-2001. Fellow: Society of Advanced Legal Studies. ABA Representative to Int
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National Council for Civil Liberties
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European Criminal Bar Ass'n
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National Ass'n of Criminal Defense Lawyers (accredited NGO Observer to United Nations 2002-2004)
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American Civil Liberties Union (Policy Advisory Committees on Church-State Relations and Electronic Media). Law Clerk, Hon. William Wayne Justice, Chief Judge, United States District Court, E.D. Tex. Author (partial list): Hawala, Hysteria and Hegemony, I
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International Law on a Given Day, in International Law as an Open System (London, 2002) (with J. Crawford)
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Due Process in International Law (Cambridge, 1999)
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Writs of Assistance for the Twenty-First Century?, in Proceedings of National Conference (Washington, U.S. Department of Justice, 1994) (with H. Silverglate)
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International Law on a Given Day, in Völkerrecht zwischen normativen Anspruch und politischer Realität (Berlin, 1994)
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Constitutional, Legal and Ethical Considerations, Federal Enforcement (Washington, Georgetown University Law Center, 1991) (with H. Silverglate)
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Locations
Thomas C. Viles's office in New York
Thomas's primary office is at Worldwide Plaza, 825 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY, 10019-7416. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
Worldwide Plaza, 825 Eighth Avenue
New York, NY 10019-7416
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Thomas C. Viles — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate 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 appellate attorney in New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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 appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Thomas C. Viles
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a appellate 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 appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in New York typically take?
Simple appellate 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 New York?
Thomas is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York 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 appellate clients right now?
Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York
Thomas handles appellate matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
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