Thomas M. Gaa

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

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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 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.

Main office

Bialson, Bergen & Schwab

830 Menlo Avenue, Suite 201

Menlo Park, CA 94025

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Client 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.

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Hiring 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.

More counsel

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