Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders, Appellate Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Washington, DC
Trusted appellate attorney serving Washington.
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Quick answer
Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Appellate.
- Based in
- Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Appellate
- Handles Appellate matters from Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026).
About Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders: Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Appellate.
Areas of practice
Thomas's practice areas in Washington
Thomas concentrates on appellate. 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.
Biography
Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders, appellate attorney serving Washington
Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Appellate. Thomas works from Washington, District of Columbia and takes on appellate matters across the region.
Tom Saunders' practice focuses on appellate and government and public policy litigation with a particular emphasis on intellectual property. He has extensive experience representing clients in patent and complex civil cases and has built a reputation as a leading advocate in high-stakes appellate litigation. He has argued and won two cases, involving patents and government contracts, in the US Supreme Court, where he previously clerked for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. He has also argued and won cases in multiple courts of appeals, including numerous victories in the Federal Circuit. He has worked on more than 70 Federal Circuit cases and led the merits briefing in 6 Supreme Court cases.
Working with Thomas on a appellate matter
Tom Saunders' practice focuses on appellate and government and public policy litigation with a particular emphasis on intellectual property. He has extensive experience representing clients in patent and complex civil cases and has built a reputation as a leading advocate in high-stakes appellate litigation. He has argued and won two cases, involving patents and government contracts, in the US…
Who Thomas represents
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Thomas studied and practices
Yale University
J.D. · 2004
Harvard University
— · 2000
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
New York, New York S
ACTIVE
District of Columbia
ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in Yale University and — in Harvard University.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in Yale University and — in Harvard 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
Thomas's legal honors and published work
Thomas has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026).
Locations
Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders's office in Washington
Thomas's primary office is at 2100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20037. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders
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 G. "Tom" Saunders — 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 G. "Tom" Saunders
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.
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.
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