
Thomas D Forbes, Maritime Attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana
Over 52 years of legal practice · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratChaffe McCall L.L.P.
New Orleans, LA
Practicing maritime in New Orleans since 1974.
- 52+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 6
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Thomas D Forbes?
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Quick answer
Thomas D Forbes is a partner based in New Orleans, LA. The practice focuses on Maritime. Thomas has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Chaffe McCall L.L.P.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- New Orleans, LA
- Experience
- over 52 years
- Known for
- Maritime
- Handles Maritime matters from New Orleans, LA.
- Over 52 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Thomas D Forbes: Thomas D Forbes is a partner based in New Orleans, LA. The practice focuses on Maritime. Thomas has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Chaffe McCall L.L.P.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Thomas's practice areas in New Orleans
Thomas concentrates on maritime. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Maritime cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
Thomas takes maritime matters in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 D Forbes, maritime attorney serving New Orleans
Thomas D Forbes is a partner based in New Orleans, LA. The practice focuses on Maritime. Thomas has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Chaffe McCall L.L.P.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Thomas works from New Orleans, Louisiana and takes on maritime matters across the region.
Thomas D Forbes is a lawyer practicing admiralty law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from Boston University in 1971, and has been licensed for 52 years. Thomas practices at Chaffe McCall L.L.P. in New Orleans, LA.
Thomas's approach to maritime cases
Thomas D Forbes is a lawyer practicing admiralty law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from Boston University in 1971, and has been licensed for 52 years. Thomas practices at Chaffe McCall L.L.P. in New Orleans, LA.
Clients Thomas works with
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for maritime matters in New Orleans and the surrounding Louisiana area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Thomas studied and practices
Boston University
J.D. · 1974
Boston University
B.A. · 1971
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1982 · ACTIVE
Louisiana
1979 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1979 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1979 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1978 · ACTIVE
Massachusetts
1974 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in Boston University and B.A. in Boston University.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in Boston University and B.A. in Boston University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in Louisiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Thomas's legal honors and published work
Thomas has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Thomas's professional memberships and bar associations
Louisiana State and American Bar Associations Maritime Law Association of the United States
membership
Locations
Thomas D Forbes's office in New Orleans
Thomas's primary office is at 2300 Energy Centre, 1100 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA, 70163-2300. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Chaffe McCall L.L.P.
2300 Energy Centre, 1100 Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA 70163-2300
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Thomas D Forbes — 5.0/5 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 maritime attorneys in New Orleans.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Thomas D Forbes claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Thomas D Forbes — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new maritime 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 maritime attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many maritime 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 maritime practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every maritime 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 maritime practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Thomas D Forbes
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a maritime 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 maritime attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do maritime cases in Louisiana typically take?
Simple maritime 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 Orleans?
Thomas is licensed in Louisiana. Matters governed by Louisiana 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 maritime 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
Maritime attorneys serving New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Metairie in Louisiana
Thomas handles maritime matters throughout Louisiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified maritime attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated maritime attorneys in Louisiana
If Thomas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these maritime attorneys in New Orleans handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.