
Thomas M. Gaa, Bankruptcy Attorney in Menlo Park, California
Over 46 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatBialson, Bergen & Schwab
Menlo Park, CA
Practicing bankruptcy in Menlo Park since 1980.
- 46+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Thomas M. Gaa?
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Quick answer
Thomas M. Gaa is a member based in Menlo Park, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights. Thomas has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bialson, Bergen & Schwab. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Menlo Park, CA
- Experience
- over 46 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Civil Rights
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights matters from Menlo Park, CA.
- Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Thomas M. Gaa: Thomas M. Gaa is a member based in Menlo Park, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights. Thomas has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bialson, Bergen & Schwab. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Thomas's practice areas in Menlo Park
Thomas concentrates on bankruptcy, business, civil rights, creditor rights, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Business
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Civil Rights
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Creditor Rights
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General
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International
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IP
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M&A
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Bankruptcy cases in Menlo Park, California
Thomas takes bankruptcy matters in Menlo Park, 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.
Business cases in Menlo Park, California
Thomas takes business matters in Menlo Park, 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.
Civil Rights cases in Menlo Park, California
Thomas takes civil rights matters in Menlo Park, 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.
Creditor Rights cases in Menlo Park, California
Thomas takes creditor rights matters in Menlo Park, 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 Menlo Park, California
Thomas takes general matters in Menlo Park, 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
Thomas M. Gaa, bankruptcy attorney serving Menlo Park
Thomas M. Gaa is a member based in Menlo Park, CA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Civil Rights. Thomas has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bialson, Bergen & Schwab. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Thomas works from Menlo Park, California and takes on bankruptcy matters across the region.
Thomas M. Gaa has practiced law for nearly 30 years in the area of business reorganizations and workouts, creditor-debtor rights, acquisition and sale of businesses and assets, and commercial law, with an emphasis on high technology and cross-border insolvency, credit and collection issues. Mr. Gaa has lectured on business reorganizations, technology issues in bankruptcy, and cross border insolvency and credit issues before local bar associations, the State Bar of California, the State Bar of Nevada, and the American Bar Association, as well as trade groups. Mr. Gaa authored "Harmonization of International Bankruptcy Law and Practice: Is It Necessary? Is It Possible?" in The International Lawyer, Vol. 27, No. 4, Winter, 1993 and was a contributing author for the Annual Review of Current Developments in the area of International Creditors' Rights and Bankruptcy for 1996, published in The International Lawyer, Vol. 31, No. 2, Summer, 1997, and for 1998, published in The International Lawyer, Vol. 33, No. 2, Summer, 1999.
Phi Beta Kappa; Phi Kappa Phi. Member: Task Force on Claims and Task Force on Corporate Entities, Transnational Insolvency Project of the American Institute, 1997; Advisory Committee on Private International Law, U.S. Department of State, Legal Advisors Office (1995). Advisory Committee Study Group on Cross-Border Insolvency, U.S. Department of State Office of Legal Advisor, 1997.
Thomas's approach to bankruptcy cases
Thomas M. Gaa has practiced law for nearly 30 years in the area of business reorganizations and workouts, creditor-debtor rights, acquisition and sale of businesses and assets, and commercial law, with an emphasis on high technology and cross-border insolvency, credit and collection issues. Mr. Gaa has lectured on business reorganizations, technology issues in bankruptcy, and cross border…
The kind of cases Thomas takes
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and civil rights matters in Menlo Park and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Thomas studied and practices
University of Montana School of Law
J.D. Georgetown · 1980
Michigan State University
B.A. · 1973
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
U.S. Court of Intern
1997 · ACTIVE
California
1987 · ACTIVE
Montana
1980 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. Georgetown in University of Montana School of Law and B.A. in Michigan State University.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. Georgetown in University of Montana School of Law and B.A. in Michigan State University. 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
Thomas's legal honors and published work
Thomas has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Thomas M. Gaa's office in Menlo Park
Thomas's primary office is at 830 Menlo Avenue, Suite 201, Menlo Park, CA, 94025. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Bialson, Bergen & Schwab
830 Menlo Avenue, Suite 201
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Thomas M. Gaa — 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 bankruptcy attorneys in Menlo Park.
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 M. Gaa claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Thomas M. Gaa — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorney in Menlo Park, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Thomas M. Gaa
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in California typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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 Menlo Park?
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 bankruptcy 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
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Menlo Park, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Thomas handles bankruptcy matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
- Menlo Park1,592 attorneys
- 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
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