Thomas Sergent Lilly, Civil Rights Attorney in Princeton, West Virginia
Over 58 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Estate Planning, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatSmith, Lilly & Ball, PLLC
Princeton West, WV
Practicing civil rights in Princeton since 1968.
- 58+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Thomas Sergent Lilly?
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Quick answer
Thomas Sergent Lilly is a member based in Princeton, WV. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Estate Planning, and General. Thomas has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith, Lilly & Ball, PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Princeton, WV
- Experience
- over 58 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · Estate Planning · General
- Handles Civil Rights, Estate Planning, and General matters from Princeton, WV.
- Over 58 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Thomas Sergent Lilly: Thomas Sergent Lilly is a member based in Princeton, WV. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Estate Planning, and General. Thomas has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith, Lilly & Ball, PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Thomas's practice areas in Princeton
Thomas concentrates on civil rights, estate planning, general, litigation, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
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Estate Planning
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General
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Litigation
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Probate
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Real Estate
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Civil Rights cases in Princeton, West Virginia
Thomas takes civil rights matters in Princeton, West Virginia. 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.
Estate Planning cases in Princeton, West Virginia
Thomas takes estate planning matters in Princeton, West Virginia. 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 Princeton, West Virginia
Thomas takes general matters in Princeton, West Virginia. 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 Princeton, West Virginia
Thomas takes litigation matters in Princeton, West Virginia. 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.
Probate cases in Princeton, West Virginia
Thomas takes probate matters in Princeton, West Virginia. 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 Sergent Lilly, civil rights attorney serving Princeton
Thomas Sergent Lilly is a member based in Princeton, WV. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Estate Planning, and General. Thomas has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith, Lilly & Ball, PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Thomas works from Princeton, West Virginia and takes on civil rights matters across the region.
Thomas Sergent Lilly is a lawyer practicing real estate law, estate law, probate and 3 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from The Virginia Military Institute in 1965, and has been licensed for 58 years. Thomas practices at Smith, Lilly & Ball, PLLC in Princeton, WV.
Thomas's approach to civil rights cases
Thomas Sergent Lilly is a lawyer practicing real estate law, estate law, probate and 3 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from The Virginia Military Institute in 1965, and has been licensed for 58 years. Thomas practices at Smith, Lilly & Ball, PLLC in Princeton, WV.
Clients Thomas works with
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, estate planning, and general matters in Princeton and the surrounding West Virginia area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Thomas studied and practices
University of North Carolina
J.D. · 1968
The Virginia Military Institute
B.A. · 1965
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1971 · ACTIVE
West Virginia
1968 · ACTIVE
North Carolina (inac
1968 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in University of North Carolina and B.A. in The Virginia Military Institute.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in University of North Carolina and B.A. in The Virginia Military Institute. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in West Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Thomas's legal honors and published work
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
Mercer County, West Virginia and American Bar Associations West Virginia State Bar
Member, Board of Governor's, 2 terms · membership
Locations
Thomas Sergent Lilly's office in Princeton
Thomas's primary office is at 1421 Princeton Ave., Princeton, WV, 24740. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Thomas Sergent Lilly — 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 civil rights attorneys in Princeton.
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 Sergent Lilly claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Thomas Sergent Lilly — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights 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 civil rights attorney in Princeton, West Virginia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights 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 civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Thomas Sergent Lilly
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a civil rights 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 civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in West Virginia typically take?
Simple civil rights 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 Princeton?
Thomas is licensed in West Virginia. Matters governed by West Virginia 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 civil rights 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
Civil Rights attorneys serving Princeton, Charleston and Morgantown in West Virginia
Thomas handles civil rights matters throughout West Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated civil rights attorneys in West Virginia
If Thomas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Princeton handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





