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 District of Columbia 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 Washington?

Thomas is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia 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.

Thomas E Gilbertsen, Appellate Attorney in Washington

Quick answer

Thomas E Gilbertsen is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Class Action. Thomas has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Venable Llp. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Washington, DC
Experience: over 34 years
Known for: Appellate · Business · Class Action

Handles Appellate, Business, and Class Action matters from Washington, DC.
Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Thomas takes on

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

Appellate cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Thomas takes appellate matters in Washington, District of Columbia. 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 Washington, District of Columbia

Thomas takes business matters in Washington, District of Columbia. 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 Washington, District of Columbia

Thomas takes class action matters in Washington, District of Columbia. 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 Washington, District of Columbia

Thomas takes consumer matters in Washington, District of Columbia. 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.

Entertainment cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Thomas takes entertainment matters in Washington, District of Columbia. 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

Meet Thomas E Gilbertsen — appellate lawyer in Washington

Thomas E Gilbertsen is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Class Action. Thomas has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Venable Llp. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Thomas E Gilbertsen is a lawyer practicing litigation, commercial litigation, advertising and marketing and 12 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from The Ohio State University in 1984, and has been licensed for 34 years. Thomas practices at Venable LLP in Washington, DC.

Thomas's approach to appellate cases

Thomas E Gilbertsen is a lawyer practicing litigation, commercial litigation, advertising and marketing and 12 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from The Ohio State University in 1984, and has been licensed for 34 years. Thomas practices at Venable LLP in Washington, DC.

Clients Thomas works with

Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and class action matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Cornell Law School
J.D. · 1989
The Ohio State University
B.A. Economics · 1984

Jurisdictions

Thomas's state bar admissions

District of Columbia
1992 · ACTIVE

Thomas studied at J.D. in Cornell Law School and B.A. Economics in The Ohio State University.

Law school and academic background

Thomas completed J.D. in Cornell Law School and B.A. Economics in The Ohio State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Locations

Thomas E Gilbertsen's office in Washington

Thomas's primary office is at 575 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20004. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Venable Llp

575 7th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20004

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Thomas E Gilbertsen — 4.8/5 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 appellate attorneys in Washington.

4.8

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Thomas E Gilbertsen — 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 Washington, District of Columbia

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 E Gilbertsen

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 District of Columbia 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 Washington?
Thomas is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia 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.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by District of Columbia residents in the last few months, answered by appellate attorneys like Thomas E Gilbertsen. Each link opens the full answer thread.

How do I file an appeal against a payday loan judgment in Louisiana?
I lost a court case regarding a payday loan in Baton Rouge and want to know how to file an appeal. The lender used questionable practices that I want to contest. What specific step
1 verified answer · Appellate · Louisiana
What rights do I have in appealing a credit report dispute in Alaska?
I disputed an error on my credit report in Anchorage, but it was rejected. This error is affecting my ability to secure a loan, and I want to know what rights I have in appealing t
1 verified answer · Appellate · Alaska
What is the procedure for appealing a zoning decision in Michigan?
I’m fighting a zoning decision made by our local council in Detroit that restricts my property development. I want to know the exact steps for appealing this decision in Michigan.
1 verified answer · Appellate · Michigan
What is the cost to appeal a traffic ticket in New Jersey?
I received a traffic ticket in Newark for a speeding violation, but I wasn’t speeding. I’m considering appealing the ticket, but I’m worried about the costs involved. Can someone e
1 verified answer · Appellate · New Jersey
Can a federal court case be appealed in Illinois state court?
I was involved in a federal lawsuit in Chicago, but I lost my case concerning a contract dispute. I’m confused about the appeal process; can I appeal in state court or do I have to
1 verified answer · Appellate · Illinois
Can I appeal a denial of Medicaid benefits in Ohio?
I recently applied for Medicaid benefits in Columbus and was denied due to perceived income issues. I have documents showing my actual income is lower. I’d like to appeal the decis
1 verified answer · Appellate · Ohio

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia

Thomas handles appellate matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.