
Thomas Frank Steinke, Environmental Attorney in San Diego, California
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Environmental, Government, and Real Estate · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Firm MemberatSeltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek
San Diego, CA
Practicing environmental in San Diego since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Thomas Frank Steinke?
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Quick answer
Thomas Frank Steinke is a firm member based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental, Government, and Real Estate. Thomas has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Diego, CA
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Environmental · Government · Real Estate
- Handles Environmental, Government, and Real Estate matters from San Diego, CA.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Thomas Frank Steinke: Thomas Frank Steinke is a firm member based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental, Government, and Real Estate. Thomas has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Thomas Frank Steinke
Thomas concentrates on environmental, government, real estate, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Environmental
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Government
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Real Estate
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Zoning
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Environmental cases in San Diego, California
Thomas takes environmental matters in San Diego, 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.
Government cases in San Diego, California
Thomas takes government matters in San Diego, 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.
Real Estate cases in San Diego, California
Thomas takes real estate matters in San Diego, 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.
Zoning cases in San Diego, California
Thomas takes zoning matters in San Diego, 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
About Thomas Frank Steinke — Over 51 years of California environmental experience
Thomas Frank Steinke is a firm member based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental, Government, and Real Estate. Thomas has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Thomas Frank Steinke is a lawyer practicing administrative, land use & environmental, real property and 4 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.S. degree from University of Wisconsin in 1968, and has been licensed for 51 years. Thomas practices at Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek in San Diego, CA.
Working with Thomas on a environmental matter
Thomas Frank Steinke is a lawyer practicing administrative, land use & environmental, real property and 4 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.S. degree from University of Wisconsin in 1968, and has been licensed for 51 years. Thomas practices at Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek in San Diego, CA.
Clients Thomas works with
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental, government, and real estate matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Thomas Frank Steinke's legal education and bar admissions
University of San Diego School of Law
J.D. · 1975
University of Wisconsin
B.S. Applied · 1968
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
California
1975 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in University of San Diego School of Law and B.S. Applied in University of Wisconsin.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in University of San Diego School of Law and B.S. Applied in University of Wisconsin. 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.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Thomas Frank Steinke
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
State Bar of California
membership
Locations
Thomas Frank Steinke's office in San Diego
Thomas's primary office is at 750 B St., Ste. 2100, San Diego, CA, 92101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Thomas Frank Steinke — 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 environmental attorneys in San Diego.
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 Frank Steinke claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Thomas Frank Steinke — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new environmental 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 environmental attorney in San Diego, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many environmental 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 environmental practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every environmental 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 environmental practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Thomas Frank Steinke
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a environmental 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 environmental attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do environmental cases in California typically take?
Simple environmental 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 Diego?
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 environmental 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
Environmental attorneys serving San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Thomas handles environmental matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified environmental attorneys in that community.
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated environmental attorneys in California
If Thomas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these environmental attorneys in San Diego handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

David Payab, Esq.
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Arsen Sarapinian, Esq.
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Steven A. Kronenberg
San Francisco, California
5.0· 43

Michael Brett Abramson
San Diego, California
5.0· 39

John David Williams
Westlake Village, California
5.0· 29

Elizabeth Ann Bawden
Los Angeles, California
5.0· 26