Thomas Nicholas Makris, Employment Attorney in Palo Alto, California
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Employment, General, and IP · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Senior CounselatPillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Palo Alto, CA
Practicing employment in Palo Alto since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Thomas Nicholas Makris?
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Quick answer
Thomas Nicholas Makris is a senior counsel based in Palo Alto, CA. The practice focuses on Employment, General, and IP. Thomas has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Palo Alto, CA
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Employment · General · IP
- Handles Employment, General, and IP matters from Palo Alto, CA.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Thomas Nicholas Makris: Thomas Nicholas Makris is a senior counsel based in Palo Alto, CA. The practice focuses on Employment, General, and IP. Thomas has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Thomas Nicholas Makris
Thomas concentrates on employment, general, ip, litigation, and business. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Employment
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General
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IP
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Litigation
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Business
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Employment cases in Palo Alto, California
Thomas takes employment matters in Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto, California
Thomas takes general matters in Palo Alto, 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.
IP cases in Palo Alto, California
Thomas takes ip matters in Palo Alto, 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.
Litigation cases in Palo Alto, California
Thomas takes litigation matters in Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto, California
Thomas takes business matters in Palo Alto, 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
About Thomas Nicholas Makris — Over 44 years of California employment experience
Thomas Nicholas Makris is a senior counsel based in Palo Alto, CA. The practice focuses on Employment, General, and IP. Thomas has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Thomas Nicholas Makris is a lawyer practicing employment, employment advice & counseling, intellectual property and 6 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from University of Colorado in 1977, and has been licensed for 44 years. Thomas practices at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in Palo Alto, CA and 1 other location.
Working with Thomas on a employment matter
Thomas Nicholas Makris is a lawyer practicing employment, employment advice & counseling, intellectual property and 6 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from University of Colorado in 1977, and has been licensed for 44 years. Thomas practices at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in Palo Alto, CA and 1 other location.
Who Thomas represents
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for employment, general, and ip matters in Palo Alto and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Thomas Nicholas Makris's legal education and bar admissions
Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California
J.D. · 1981
University of Colorado
B.A. · 1977
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
California
1982 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California and B.A. in University of Colorado.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California and B.A. in University of Colorado. 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
Awards, publications, and recognition of Thomas Nicholas Makris
Thomas has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Thomas's professional memberships and bar associations
Bar Association of San Francisco State Bar of California
membership
Locations
Thomas Nicholas Makris's office in Palo Alto
Thomas's primary office is at 2550 Hanover St., Palo Alto, CA, 94304. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
2550 Hanover St.
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Thomas Nicholas Makris — 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 employment attorneys in Palo Alto.
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 Nicholas Makris claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Thomas Nicholas Makris — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new employment 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 employment attorney in Palo Alto, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many employment 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 employment practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every employment 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 employment practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Thomas Nicholas Makris
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a employment 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 employment attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do employment cases in California typically take?
Simple employment 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 Palo Alto?
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 employment 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
Employment attorneys serving Palo Alto, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Thomas handles employment matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified employment attorneys in that community.
- Palo Alto4,084 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
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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