TJ

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?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

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 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.

Main office

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP

2029 Century Park E., Ste. 2600

Los Angeles, CA 90067-3012

Open in Google Maps

Client 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 reviews

Hiring 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.

More counsel

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