Thomas Jay Leanse, Appellate Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Estate Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
AttorneyatKatten Muchin Rosenman LLP
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing appellate in Los Angeles since 1978.
- 48+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Thomas Jay Leanse?
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Quick answer
Thomas Jay Leanse is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Estate Litigation. Thomas has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 48 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Bankruptcy · Estate Litigation
- Handles Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Estate Litigation matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Thomas Jay Leanse: Thomas Jay Leanse is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Estate Litigation. Thomas has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Thomas takes on
Thomas concentrates on appellate, bankruptcy, estate litigation, general, and litigation. 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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Estate Litigation
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General
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Appellate cases in Los Angeles, California
Thomas takes appellate matters in Los Angeles, 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.
Bankruptcy cases in Los Angeles, California
Thomas takes bankruptcy matters in Los Angeles, 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.
Estate Litigation cases in Los Angeles, California
Thomas takes estate litigation matters in Los Angeles, 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.
General cases in Los Angeles, California
Thomas takes general matters in Los Angeles, 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.
Litigation cases in Los Angeles, California
Thomas takes litigation matters in Los Angeles, 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
Meet Thomas Jay Leanse — appellate lawyer in Los Angeles
Thomas Jay Leanse is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Estate Litigation. Thomas has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Thomas Jay Leanse is a lawyer practicing appellate litigation, bankruptcy and creditors' rights, litigation and dispute resolution and 5 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from University of California, San Diego in 1975, and has been licensed for 48 years. Thomas practices at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
Working with Thomas on a appellate matter
Thomas Jay Leanse is a lawyer practicing appellate litigation, bankruptcy and creditors' rights, litigation and dispute resolution and 5 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from University of California, San Diego in 1975, and has been licensed for 48 years. Thomas practices at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
Who Thomas represents
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, bankruptcy, and estate litigation matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of San Diego School of Law
J.D. · 1978
University of California, San Diego
B.A. · 1975
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
Illinois U.S. Court
1979 · ACTIVE
California
1978 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in University of San Diego School of Law and B.A. in University of California, San Diego.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in University of San Diego School of Law and B.A. in University of California, San Diego. 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
Recognition and thought leadership
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
American Bar Association California Business Properties Association International Council of Shopping Centers Los Angeles County Bar Association
membership
Locations
Thomas Jay Leanse's office in Los Angeles
Thomas's primary office is at 2029 Century Park E., Ste. 2600, Los Angeles, CA, 90067-3012. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
2029 Century Park E., Ste. 2600
Los Angeles, CA 90067-3012
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Thomas Jay Leanse — 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 appellate attorneys in Los Angeles.
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 Jay Leanse claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Thomas Jay Leanse — 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 Los Angeles, California
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 Jay Leanse
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 California 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 Los Angeles?
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 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 Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
Thomas handles appellate matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 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
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