
Thomas 'Tom' A. Hardin, Business Attorney in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Over 30 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning · 4.9/5 rating from 33 verified client reviews
PartneratShine & Hardin, LLP
Fort Wayne, IN
Practicing business in Fort Wayne since 1996.
- 30+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 33 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Thomas 'Tom' A. Hardin?
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Quick answer
Thomas 'Tom' A. Hardin is a partner based in Fort Wayne, IN. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Thomas has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shine & Hardin, LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 33 client reviews.
- Based in
- Fort Wayne, IN
- Experience
- over 30 years
- Known for
- Business · Elder Law · Estate Planning
- Handles Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning matters from Fort Wayne, IN.
- Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Thomas 'Tom' A. Hardin: Thomas 'Tom' A. Hardin is a partner based in Fort Wayne, IN. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Thomas has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shine & Hardin, LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 33 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Thomas 'Tom' A. Hardin
Thomas concentrates on business, elder law, estate planning, estate tax, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Elder Law
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Estate Planning
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Estate Tax
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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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Tax
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Trusts
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Wills
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Business cases in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Thomas takes business matters in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 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.
Elder Law cases in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Thomas takes elder law matters in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 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 Fort Wayne, Indiana
Thomas takes estate planning matters in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 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 Tax cases in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Thomas takes estate tax matters in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 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 Fort Wayne, Indiana
Thomas takes general matters in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 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 'Tom' A. Hardin — Over 30 years of Indiana business experience
Thomas 'Tom' A. Hardin is a partner based in Fort Wayne, IN. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Thomas has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shine & Hardin, LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 33 client reviews.
Thomas's approach to business cases
Thomas 'Tom' A. Hardin practices at Shine & Hardin, LLP Read Full Bio
The kind of cases Thomas takes
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, elder law, and estate planning matters in Fort Wayne and the surrounding Indiana area.
Credentials
Thomas 'Tom' A. Hardin's legal education and bar admissions
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law - Indianapolis, Indiana
J.D. · 1996
University of Michigan
B.A. · 1992
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
Indiana
1996 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Courts
1996 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law - Indianapolis, Indiana and B.A. in University of Michigan.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law - Indianapolis, Indiana and B.A. in University of Michigan. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in Indiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Thomas 'Tom' A. Hardin
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
Allen County Bar Association (President, 2007-2008) (Chair of the Probate, Trust and Tax Section, 2003-2004) Indiana State Bar Association Indiana Municipal Lawyers Association
membership
Locations
Thomas 'Tom' A. Hardin's office in Fort Wayne
Thomas's primary office is at 2810 Beaver Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN, 46807. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Thomas 'Tom' A. Hardin — 4.9/5 rating from 33 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 business attorneys in Fort Wayne.
4.9
33 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Thomas 'Tom' A. Hardin claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Thomas 'Tom' A. Hardin — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business 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 business attorney in Fort Wayne, Indiana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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 business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Thomas 'Tom' A. Hardin
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a business 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 business attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Indiana typically take?
Simple business 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 Fort Wayne?
Thomas is licensed in Indiana. Matters governed by Indiana 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 business 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
Business attorneys serving Fort Wayne, Indianapolis and Carmel in Indiana
Thomas handles business matters throughout Indiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in Indiana
If Thomas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Fort Wayne handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





