
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?
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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
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Formation
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General
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Health Care
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Insurance
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Litigation
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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.
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 reviewsHiring 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.
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated environmental attorneys in California
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.





