Thomas Robert Arno, General Attorney in San Diego, California
Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on General, IP, and Patent · 4.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratKnobbe Martens Olson & Bear, LLP
San Diego, CA
Practicing general in San Diego since 1995.
- 31+
- Years practicing
- 4.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Thomas Robert Arno?
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Quick answer
Thomas Robert Arno is a partner based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on General, IP, and Patent. Thomas has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear, LLP. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Diego, CA
- Experience
- over 31 years
- Known for
- General · IP · Patent
- Handles General, IP, and Patent matters from San Diego, CA.
- Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About Thomas Robert Arno: Thomas Robert Arno is a partner based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on General, IP, and Patent. Thomas has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear, LLP. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Thomas takes on
Thomas concentrates on general, ip, patent, real estate, and trade secrets. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General
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IP
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Patent
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Real Estate
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Trade Secrets
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General cases in San Diego, California
Thomas takes general matters in San Diego, 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 San Diego, California
Thomas takes ip matters in San Diego, 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.
Patent cases in San Diego, California
Thomas takes patent matters in San Diego, 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.
Real Estate cases in San Diego, California
Thomas takes real estate matters in San Diego, 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.
Trade Secrets cases in San Diego, California
Thomas takes trade secrets matters in San Diego, 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 Robert Arno — general lawyer in San Diego
Thomas Robert Arno is a partner based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on General, IP, and Patent. Thomas has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear, LLP. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Thomas Robert Arno is a lawyer practicing patents, client counseling, licensing and 6 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.S. degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in 1985, and has been licensed for 31 years. Thomas practices at Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear, LLP in San Diego, CA.
Working with Thomas on a general matter
Thomas Robert Arno is a lawyer practicing patents, client counseling, licensing and 6 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.S. degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in 1985, and has been licensed for 31 years. Thomas practices at Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear, LLP in San Diego, CA.
Who Thomas represents
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, ip, and patent matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of San Diego School of Law
J.D. · 1995
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
B.S. Physics · 1985
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
California U.S. Dist
1995 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in University of San Diego School of Law and B.S. Physics in California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in University of San Diego School of Law and B.S. Physics in California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. 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 Robert Arno's office in San Diego
Thomas's primary office is at 12790 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA, 92130-2008. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear, LLP
12790 El Camino Real
San Diego, CA 92130-2008
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Thomas Robert Arno — 4.0/5 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 general attorneys in San Diego.
4.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Thomas Robert Arno claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Thomas Robert Arno — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general 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 general attorney in San Diego, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general 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 general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Thomas Robert Arno
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a general 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 general attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in California typically take?
Simple general 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 San Diego?
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 general 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
General attorneys serving San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Thomas handles general matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 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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