
Thomas Michael Atherton, IP Attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana
Over 54 years of legal practice · focused on IP and Tax
AssociateatBarnes & Thornburg LLP
Indianapolis, IN
Practicing ip in Indianapolis since 1972.
- 54+
- Years practicing
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Thomas Michael Atherton?
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Quick answer
Thomas Michael Atherton is an associate based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on IP and Tax. Thomas has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP.
- Based in
- Indianapolis, IN
- Experience
- over 54 years
- Known for
- IP · Tax
- Handles IP and Tax matters from Indianapolis, IN.
- Over 54 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Thomas Michael Atherton: Thomas Michael Atherton is an associate based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on IP and Tax. Thomas has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Thomas takes on
Thomas concentrates on ip and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
IP cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
Thomas takes ip matters in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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.
Tax cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
Thomas takes tax matters in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Michael Atherton — ip lawyer in Indianapolis
Thomas Michael Atherton is an associate based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on IP and Tax. Thomas has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP.
Thomas Michael Atherton is a lawyer practicing intellectual property, taxation. Thomas received a degree from University of Illinois, and has been licensed for 54 years. Thomas practices at Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Indianapolis, IN and 1 other location.
Working with Thomas on a ip matter
Thomas Michael Atherton is a lawyer practicing intellectual property, taxation. Thomas received a degree from University of Illinois, and has been licensed for 54 years. Thomas practices at Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Indianapolis, IN and 1 other location.
Clients Thomas works with
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for ip and tax matters in Indianapolis and the surrounding Indiana area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Indiana University School of Law - Indianapolis
J.D. · 2011
University of Illinois Purdue University
B.S. · 2008
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
Indiana
1993 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1972 · ACTIVE
Illinois United Stat
1972 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in Indiana University School of Law - Indianapolis and B.S. in University of Illinois Purdue University.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in Indiana University School of Law - Indianapolis and B.S. in University of Illinois Purdue University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in Indiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Thomas Michael Atherton's office in Indianapolis
Thomas's primary office is at 11 South Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46204. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Thomas Michael Atherton
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Thomas Michael Atherton — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new ip 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 ip attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many ip 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 ip practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every ip 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 ip practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Thomas Michael Atherton
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a ip 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 ip attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do ip cases in Indiana typically take?
Simple ip 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 Indianapolis?
Thomas is licensed in Indiana. Matters governed by Indiana 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 ip 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
IP attorneys serving Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Carmel in Indiana
Thomas handles ip matters throughout Indiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified ip attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated ip attorneys in Indiana
If Thomas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these ip attorneys in Indianapolis handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





