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

How long do energy cases in California typically take?

Simple energy 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 energy clients right now?

Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Thomas Robert Brill, Energy Attorney in San Diego

Quick answer

Thomas Robert Brill is a shareholder based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Energy, Environmental, and General. Thomas has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP.

Based in: San Diego, CA
Experience: over 40 years
Known for: Energy · Environmental · General

Handles Energy, Environmental, and General matters from San Diego, CA.
Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Thomas's practice areas in San Diego

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

Energy cases in San Diego, California

Thomas takes energy 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.

Environmental cases in San Diego, California

Thomas takes environmental 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.

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.

Litigation cases in San Diego, California

Thomas takes litigation 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

Thomas Robert Brill, energy attorney serving San Diego

Thomas Robert Brill is a shareholder based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Energy, Environmental, and General. Thomas has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Thomas works from San Diego, California and takes on energy matters across the region.

Thomas R. Brill has deep legal and management experience in the energy industry and has represented clients in virtually every electricity and natural gas restructuring proceeding in California for over three decades, including proceedings adopting and implementing decarbonization strategies for California’s electricity and natural gas markets. Tom also has extensive experience in regulatory litigation, as well as strategy and policy development to address rapidly changing laws, regulations, and market dynamics as well as technological disruptions that are leading to significant changes in the energy industry. Tom also has comprehensive experience addressing issues related to the integration of central station and distributed renewable generation, including electricity storage, smart grid technologies, and the impacts of utility rate design and cost allocation on competitive entry by third party providers and utility stranded cost exposure.

Tom’s current clients include developers of carbon sequestration, CO2 pipeline, and carbon capture projects as well as developers and producers of Renewable Natural Gas. He also represents utilities seeking to navigate emerging decarbonization policies, an independent natural gas storage provider, and retail providers and consumers of distributed generation and other behind the meter services.

Before joining Greenberg Traurig, Tom served in in-house positions at Sempra Energy, San Diego Gas & Electric Company, Pacific Enterprises, the Southern California Gas Company, and the American Gas Association. In these roles, he served as lead counsel in proceedings to implement state policies and legislation to introduce competition and reduce emissions in California’s electricity and natural gas markets, developed legal, regulatory, legislative and public affairs strategies to address Community Choice Aggregation, Greenhouse Gas and carbon reduction initiatives, promote storage and smart grid investments, implement wholesale and retail market competition in the electricity and natural gas industries, address wildfire risk issues, and implement new utility rate designs to address emerging needs and new technologies in the energy industry.

Tom has deep experience on a wide range of matters before the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the California Air Resources Board, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and has lobbied before these organizations, as well as the California Legislature, Nevada legislature, and the United States Congress. He also currently serves on the Board of the California Hydrogen Business Council.

Concentrations

•Greenhouse gas and emission reduction strategies
•Obtaining and maximizing value of carbon credits in mandatory and voluntary carbon markets
•Obtaining and maximizing value of credits Low in Carbon Fuel Standard credit markets
•Development and implementation of decarbonization strategies in electricity and natural gas markets
•Industry restructuring
•Climate action plans
•Distributed energy technologies/renewable generation
•Utility cost allocation and rate design
•CPUC and FERC merger approvals/market power analysis

Recognition & Leadership

Awards & Accolades

•Listed, Chambers USA Guide, 2023-2025
•Listed, The Legal 500 United States
•Energy> Energy Regulation: Oil and Gas, 2023 and 2025
•Energy> Renewable/Alternative Power, 2025
•Team Member, a Law360 “Environmental Practice Group of the Year,” 2022

Thomas's approach to energy cases

Thomas R. Brill has deep legal and management experience in the energy industry and has represented clients in virtually every electricity and natural gas restructuring proceeding in California for over three decades, including proceedings adopting and implementing decarbonization strategies for California’s electricity and natural gas markets. Tom also has extensive experience in regulatory…

Clients Thomas works with

Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for energy, environmental, and general matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Thomas studied and practices

Southwestern University
J.D. · 1985
University of California at Santa Barbara
B.A. · 1982

Jurisdictions

Thomas's state bar admissions

California
1986 · ACTIVE

Thomas studied at J.D. in Southwestern University and B.A. in University of California at Santa Barbara.

Law school and academic background

Thomas completed J.D. in Southwestern University and B.A. in University of California at Santa Barbara. 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 Robert Brill's office in San Diego

Thomas's primary office is at 12760 High Bluff Dr., Ste. 240, San Diego, CA, 92130. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Greenberg Traurig, LLP

12760 High Bluff Dr., Ste. 240

San Diego, CA 92130

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Thomas Robert Brill

Thomas has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Thomas Robert Brill — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new energy 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 energy attorney in San Diego, California

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every energy 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 energy practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Thomas Robert Brill

How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a energy 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 energy attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do energy cases in California typically take?
Simple energy 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 energy clients right now?
Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by California residents in the last few months, answered by energy attorneys like Thomas Robert Brill. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What Are My Rights If Gas Prices Are Misrepresented In California?
I recently bought gas in Los Angeles, California, and the price at the pump was significantly higher than advertised. I feel like I've been misled, and I'm considering taking actio
1 verified answer · Energy · California
Can I Sue An Energy Company For Unfair Practices In Delaware?
I live in Wilmington, Delaware, and have encountered numerous issues with my electric provider, including billing errors and poor customer service. I’m considering legal action. Wh
1 verified answer · Energy · Delaware
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I live in Charlotte, North Carolina, and my phone company has started charging me for 'utility-like' services that I never agreed to. I feel like I’m being scammed. Is this even le
1 verified answer · Energy · North Carolina
Are There Regulations For Renewable Energy Providers In Massachusetts?
I'm interested in switching to a solar company in Boston, Massachusetts, but I've heard about some bad practices from other consumers. Are there specific regulations in place that
1 verified answer · Energy · Massachusetts
Is My Electric Company Allowed To Disconnect During Winter In Minnesota?
After living in Minneapolis for years, my electric company is threatening to shut off my power during the winter months because of unpaid bills. I am worried about my family's safe
1 verified answer · Energy · Minnesota
Can I Challenge An Energy Audit In South Carolina?
I'm a business owner in Columbia, South Carolina, and I received a notice that my energy usage is being audited by the utility company. I believe their calculations are incorrect a
1 verified answer · Energy · South Carolina

Areas served

Energy attorneys serving San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

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

Thomas Robert Brill, Energy Attorney in San Diego, California

Quick answer