Thomas E Shields, Appellate Attorney in Wayne, New Jersey
Over 53 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Family Law
Wayne New, NJ
Practicing appellate in Wayne since 1973.
- 53+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
Thomas E Shields is an attorney based in Wayne, NJ. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Family Law. Thomas has over 53 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Wayne, NJ
- Experience
- over 53 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Bankruptcy · Family Law
- Handles Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Family Law matters from Wayne, NJ.
- Over 53 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Thomas E Shields: Thomas E Shields is an attorney based in Wayne, NJ. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Family Law. Thomas has over 53 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Thomas E Shields
Thomas concentrates on appellate, bankruptcy, family law, general, and real estate. 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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Bankruptcy
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Family Law
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General
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Real Estate
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Appellate cases in Wayne, New Jersey
Thomas takes appellate matters in Wayne, New Jersey. 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.
Bankruptcy cases in Wayne, New Jersey
Thomas takes bankruptcy matters in Wayne, New Jersey. 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 Wayne, New Jersey
Thomas takes family law matters in Wayne, New Jersey. 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 Wayne, New Jersey
Thomas takes general matters in Wayne, New Jersey. 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.
Real Estate cases in Wayne, New Jersey
Thomas takes real estate matters in Wayne, New Jersey. 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 E Shields — Over 53 years of New Jersey appellate experience
Thomas E Shields is an attorney based in Wayne, NJ. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Family Law. Thomas has over 53 years of legal experience.
Thomas E Shields is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy law, matrimonial law, real estate law and 2 other areas of law. Thomas received a A.B. degree from Rutgers University, and has been licensed for 53 years. Thomas practices in Wayne, NJ.
Thomas's approach to appellate cases
Thomas E Shields is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy law, matrimonial law, real estate law and 2 other areas of law. Thomas received a A.B. degree from Rutgers University, and has been licensed for 53 years. Thomas practices in Wayne, NJ.
The kind of cases Thomas takes
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, bankruptcy, and family law matters in Wayne and the surrounding New Jersey area.
Credentials
Thomas E Shields's legal education and bar admissions
Seton Hall University J.D.
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Rutgers University A.B.
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Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
New Jersey
1973 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at — in Seton Hall University J.D. and — in Rutgers University A.B..
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed — in Seton Hall University J.D. and — in Rutgers University A.B.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in New Jersey is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Thomas E Shields's office in Wayne
Thomas's primary office is at 755 Berdan Ave apt, Wayne, NJ, 07470. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Thomas E Shields
Thomas has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Thomas E Shields — 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 Wayne, New Jersey
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 Shields
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 Jersey 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 Wayne?
Thomas is licensed in New Jersey. Matters governed by New Jersey 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 Wayne, Trenton and Newark in New Jersey
Thomas handles appellate matters throughout New Jersey. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
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