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Thomas Robert Califano, Bankruptcy Attorney in New York

Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Energy · 5.0/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews

Partner; Vice Chair, Restructuring Practice GroupatDLA Piper LLP

New, NY

Practicing bankruptcy in New York since 1989.

37+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
5 client reviews
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Thomas Robert Califano is a partner; vice chair, restructuring practice group based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Energy. Thomas has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at DLA Piper LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.

Based in
New York, NY
Experience
over 37 years
Known for
Bankruptcy · Business · Energy
  • Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Energy matters from New York, NY.
  • Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Thomas Robert Califano: Thomas Robert Califano is a partner; vice chair, restructuring practice group based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Energy. Thomas has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at DLA Piper LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Thomas takes on

Thomas concentrates on bankruptcy, business, energy, general, and m&a. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Bankruptcy cases in New York

Thomas takes bankruptcy matters in New York. 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 New York

Thomas takes business matters in New York. 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.

Energy cases in New York

Thomas takes energy matters in New York. 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 New York

Thomas takes general matters in New York. 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.

M&A cases in New York

Thomas takes m&a matters in New York. 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 Califano — bankruptcy lawyer in New York

Thomas Robert Califano is a partner; vice chair, restructuring practice group based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Energy. Thomas has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at DLA Piper LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.

Thomas Robert Califano is a lawyer practicing financial restructuring and bankruptcy, mergers & acquisitions, private equity and 3 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from St. John's University in 1983, and has been licensed for 37 years. Thomas practices at DLA Piper LLP in New York, NY.

How Thomas handles bankruptcy matters

Thomas Robert Califano is a lawyer practicing financial restructuring and bankruptcy, mergers & acquisitions, private equity and 3 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from St. John's University in 1983, and has been licensed for 37 years. Thomas practices at DLA Piper LLP in New York, NY.

Who Thomas represents

Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and energy matters across New York.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • St. John's University

    J.D. · 1988

  • St. John's University

    B.A. · 1983

Jurisdictions

Thomas's state bar admissions

  • Texas

    2021 · ACTIVE

  • New York U.S. Distri

    1989 · ACTIVE

Thomas studied at J.D. in St. John's University and B.A. in St. John's University.

Law school and academic background

Thomas completed J.D. in St. John's University and B.A. in St. John's University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in New York 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.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Thomas's professional memberships and bar associations

  • New York City Bar (Member, Bankruptcy Committee) American Bankruptcy Institute Turnaround Management Association

    membership

Locations

Thomas Robert Califano's office in New York

Thomas's primary office is at 1251 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY, 10020-1104. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

DLA Piper LLP

1251 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10020-1104

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Thomas Robert Califano — 5.0/5 rating from 5 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 bankruptcy attorneys in New York.

5.0

5 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Thomas Robert Califano claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

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

Working with a new bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorney in New York

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Thomas Robert Califano

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

  • How long do bankruptcy cases in New York typically take?

    Simple bankruptcy 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 New York?

    Thomas is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York 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 bankruptcy 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

Bankruptcy attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York

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

More counsel

If Thomas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in New York handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.