
Thomas Peter Pierce, Appellate Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 34 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Government, and Litigation
ShareholderatRichards, Watson & Gershon Attorneys at Law, A Professional Corporation
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing appellate in Los Angeles since 1992.
- 34+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
Thomas Peter Pierce is a shareholder based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Government, and Litigation. Thomas has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Richards, Watson & Gershon Attorneys at Law, A Professional Corporation.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 34 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Government · Litigation
- Handles Appellate, Government, and Litigation matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Thomas Peter Pierce: Thomas Peter Pierce is a shareholder based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Government, and Litigation. Thomas has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Richards, Watson & Gershon Attorneys at Law, A Professional Corporation.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Thomas Peter Pierce
Thomas concentrates on appellate, government, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Government
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Litigation
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Appellate cases in Los Angeles, California
Thomas takes appellate matters in Los Angeles, 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.
Government cases in Los Angeles, California
Thomas takes government matters in Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, California
Thomas takes litigation matters in Los Angeles, 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 Peter Pierce — Over 34 years of California appellate experience
Thomas Peter Pierce is a shareholder based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Government, and Litigation. Thomas has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Richards, Watson & Gershon Attorneys at Law, A Professional Corporation.
Peter demystifies the appeals process. A creative advocate, he analyzes a case from every angle to help litigators position the case most effectively for appeal. Peter represents individuals, businesses, non-profit corporations, and public agencies in appellate courts and trial courts throughout California. He is one of only 135 attorneys admitted to the California Academy of Appellate Lawyers, and one of fewer than 300 attorneys certified as a specialist in appellate law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Peter has been selected by his peers in California ten times as a Super Lawyer in appellate law. Most recently, Peter was selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2021 edition of Best Lawyers in America. WORK FOR CLIENTSPeter has briefed and argued more than 150 appeals and writs. He represents a diverse group of clients on appeal, including non-profit and for-profit corporations, businesses, entertainment industry talent, medical professionals, real estate investors, local elected officials, and numerous cities in California on a wide range of issues affecting local governments. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCEBefore attending law school, Peter was a radio and television news reporter and copywriter. Immediately following law school, Peter served one year as a law clerk to a federal judge of the United States District Court in New Orleans.
Working with Thomas on a appellate matter
Peter demystifies the appeals process. A creative advocate, he analyzes a case from every angle to help litigators position the case most effectively for appeal. Peter represents individuals, businesses, non-profit corporations, and public agencies in appellate courts and trial courts throughout California. He is one of only 135 attorneys admitted to the California Academy of Appellate Lawyers,…
Who Thomas represents
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, government, and litigation matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Thomas Peter Pierce's legal education and bar admissions
Tulane University Law School
J.D. · 1992
Cornell University
A.B. Syracuse · 1986
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
California
1992 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in Tulane University Law School and A.B. Syracuse in Cornell University.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in Tulane University Law School and A.B. Syracuse in Cornell 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.
Locations
Thomas Peter Pierce's office in Los Angeles
Thomas's primary office is at 355 South Grand Avenue, 40th Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90071-3101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Richards, Watson & Gershon Attorneys at Law, A Professional Corporation
355 South Grand Avenue, 40th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071-3101
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Thomas Peter Pierce — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate 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 appellate attorney in Los Angeles, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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 appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Thomas Peter Pierce
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a appellate 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 appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in California typically take?
Simple appellate 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 Los Angeles?
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 appellate 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
Appellate attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
Thomas handles appellate matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
- 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
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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