Thomas Michael Downey

Thomas Michael Downey, Environmental Attorney in Oakland, California

Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Environmental, Formation, and General · 4.5/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

PartneratBurnham Brown

Oakland, CA

Practicing environmental in Oakland since 1989.

37+
Years practicing
4.5 ★
2 client reviews
1
Bar admission

Are you Thomas Michael Downey?

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 Michael Downey is a partner based in Oakland, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental, Formation, and General. Thomas has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burnham Brown. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in
Oakland, CA
Experience
over 37 years
Known for
Environmental · Formation · General
  • Handles Environmental, Formation, and General matters from Oakland, CA.
  • Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

About Thomas Michael Downey: Thomas Michael Downey is a partner based in Oakland, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental, Formation, and General. Thomas has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burnham Brown. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Thomas takes on

Thomas concentrates on environmental, formation, general, health care, and insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Environmental cases in Oakland, California

Thomas takes environmental matters in Oakland, 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.

Formation cases in Oakland, California

Thomas takes formation matters in Oakland, 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 Oakland, California

Thomas takes general matters in Oakland, 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.

Health Care cases in Oakland, California

Thomas takes health care matters in Oakland, 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.

Insurance cases in Oakland, California

Thomas takes insurance matters in Oakland, 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 Michael Downey — environmental lawyer in Oakland

Thomas Michael Downey is a partner based in Oakland, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental, Formation, and General. Thomas has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burnham Brown. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Thomas Michael Downey is a lawyer practicing lawsuits / disputes, corporate / incorporation, litigation and 4 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from Ohio State University in 1986, and has been licensed for 37 years. Thomas practices at Burnham Brown in Oakland, CA.

Working with Thomas on a environmental matter

Thomas Michael Downey is a lawyer practicing lawsuits / disputes, corporate / incorporation, litigation and 4 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from Ohio State University in 1986, and has been licensed for 37 years. Thomas practices at Burnham Brown in Oakland, CA.

Who Thomas represents

Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental, formation, and general matters in Oakland and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of Toledo

    J.D. · 1989

  • Ohio State University

    B.A. · 1986

Jurisdictions

Thomas's state bar admissions

  • California

    1989 · ACTIVE

Thomas studied at J.D. in University of Toledo and B.A. in Ohio State University.

Law school and academic background

Thomas completed J.D. in University of Toledo and B.A. in Ohio 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

Recognition and thought leadership

Thomas has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Locations

Thomas Michael Downey's office in Oakland

Thomas's primary office is at 1901 Harrison St., 14th Fl., Oakland, CA, 94604. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Burnham Brown

1901 Harrison St., 14th Fl.

Oakland, CA 94604

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Thomas Michael Downey — 4.5/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

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 environmental attorneys in Oakland.

4.5

2 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Thomas Michael Downey claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Thomas Michael Downey — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new environmental 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 environmental attorney in Oakland, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many environmental 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 environmental practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every environmental 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 environmental practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Thomas Michael Downey

  • How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a environmental 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 environmental attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.

  • How long do environmental cases in California typically take?

    Simple environmental 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 Oakland?

    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 environmental 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

Environmental attorneys serving Oakland, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Thomas handles environmental matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified environmental attorneys in that community.

More counsel

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