TJ

Thomas J Berning, Civil Rights Attorney in Tucson, Arizona

Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and SSD

Exec. Dir., Southern Ariz. Legal Aid

Tucson, AZ

Practicing civil rights in Tucson since 1978.

48+
Years practicing
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Thomas J Berning is an exec. dir., southern ariz. legal aid based in Tucson, AZ. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and SSD. Thomas has over 48 years of legal experience.

Based in
Tucson, AZ
Experience
over 48 years
Known for
Civil Rights · Criminal Defense · SSD
  • Handles Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and SSD matters from Tucson, AZ.
  • Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Thomas J Berning: Thomas J Berning is an exec. dir., southern ariz. legal aid based in Tucson, AZ. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and SSD. Thomas has over 48 years of legal experience.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Thomas takes on

Thomas concentrates on civil rights, criminal defense, and ssd. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Civil Rights cases in Tucson, Arizona

Thomas takes civil rights matters in Tucson, Arizona. 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.

Criminal Defense cases in Tucson, Arizona

Thomas takes criminal defense matters in Tucson, Arizona. 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.

SSD cases in Tucson, Arizona

Thomas takes ssd matters in Tucson, Arizona. 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 J Berning — civil rights lawyer in Tucson

Thomas J Berning is an exec. dir., southern ariz. legal aid based in Tucson, AZ. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and SSD. Thomas has over 48 years of legal experience.

Hon. Thomas J Berning is a lawyer practicing civil rights law, criminal law, disability rights law and 1 other area of law. Thomas received a B.S. degree from Arizona State University in 1975, and has been licensed for 48 years. Thomas practices in Tucson, AZ.

Working with Thomas on a civil rights matter

Hon. Thomas J Berning is a lawyer practicing civil rights law, criminal law, disability rights law and 1 other area of law. Thomas received a B.S. degree from Arizona State University in 1975, and has been licensed for 48 years. Thomas practices in Tucson, AZ.

Clients Thomas works with

Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, criminal defense, and ssd matters in Tucson and the surrounding Arizona area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of Arizona

    J.D. · 1978

  • Arizona State University

    B.S. · 1975

Jurisdictions

Thomas's state bar admissions

  • Montana

    1978 · ACTIVE

  • Arizona

    1978 · ACTIVE

Thomas studied at J.D. in University of Arizona and B.S. in Arizona State University.

Law school and academic background

Thomas completed J.D. in University of Arizona and B.S. in Arizona State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in Arizona is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Thomas J Berning's office in Tucson

Thomas's primary office is at 3002 E 8th St, Tucson, AZ, 85716-5205. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

3002 E 8th St

Tucson, AZ 85716-5205

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Thomas J Berning

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Hiring guide

How to hire Thomas J Berning — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new civil rights 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 civil rights attorney in Tucson, Arizona

A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 civil rights practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every civil rights 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 civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Thomas J Berning

  • How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a civil rights 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 civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.

  • How long do civil rights cases in Arizona typically take?

    Simple civil rights 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 Tucson?

    Thomas is licensed in Arizona. Matters governed by Arizona 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 civil rights 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

Civil Rights attorneys serving Tucson, Phoenix and Scottsdale in Arizona

Thomas handles civil rights matters throughout Arizona. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Thomas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Tucson handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.