
Thomas W. Olson, Business Attorney in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Over 53 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Energy, and Environmental · 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Of CounselatSpencer Fane
Santa Fe, NM
Practicing business in Santa Fe since 1973.
- 53+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Thomas W. Olson?
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Quick answer
Thomas W. Olson is an of counsel based in Santa Fe, NM. The practice focuses on Business, Energy, and Environmental. Thomas has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Spencer Fane. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Santa Fe, NM
- Experience
- over 53 years
- Known for
- Business · Energy · Environmental
- Handles Business, Energy, and Environmental matters from Santa Fe, NM.
- Over 53 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Thomas W. Olson: Thomas W. Olson is an of counsel based in Santa Fe, NM. The practice focuses on Business, Energy, and Environmental. Thomas has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Spencer Fane. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Thomas takes on
Thomas concentrates on business, energy, environmental, formation, 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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Energy
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Environmental
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Formation
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General
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Government
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Health Care
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Real Estate
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Business cases in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Thomas takes business matters in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 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 Santa Fe, New Mexico
Thomas takes energy matters in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 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 Santa Fe, New Mexico
Thomas takes environmental matters in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 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.
Formation cases in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Thomas takes formation matters in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 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 Santa Fe, New Mexico
Thomas takes general matters in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 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 W. Olson — business lawyer in Santa Fe
Thomas W. Olson is an of counsel based in Santa Fe, NM. The practice focuses on Business, Energy, and Environmental. Thomas has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Spencer Fane. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
After a clerkship with the Honorable Oliver Seth of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, Mr. Olson joined Montgomery & Andrews in 1974 and is currently of counsel to the firm. For more than forty-five years, he has represented public utilities and other clients in regulatory proceedings before the Public Regulation Commission and its two predecessor agencies, the Public Utility Commission and the State Corporation Commission. Mr. Olson’s utility regulatory experience includes numerous general rate cases, certificate proceedings for new carriers and facilities, including independent power projects, proceedings related to changes in ownership and control of utility systems and operations, proceedings related to the definition and regulation of competitive and noncompetitive services, proceedings related to the issuance of securities, and state interconnection and wholesale regulatory proceedings under the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
He has also represented both sellers and purchasers in sales and purchases of utility systems including the sale of a statewide natural gas transmission and distribution utility, purchases of gas distribution utility systems serving several communities in southern New Mexico, and sales or purchases of water utility systems serving Santa Fe, Clovis, and Edgewood, New Mexico.
For many years, Mr. Olson was primarily responsible for the Firm’s engagement as counsel to Santa Fe’s nonprofit, acute care general hospital and continues to advise other hospitals and health care providers. He has also represented clients, including financial institutions, in complex commercial, real estate and financial transactions and has rendered numerous closing opinions on behalf of sellers, purchasers, and lenders. He has advised hospitals in regard to the issuance of more than $50 million of tax exempt revenue bonds issued by the City of Santa Fe, the New Mexico Hospital Equipment Loan Council and the New Mexico Finance Authority to finance hospital construction and additions, and to advance refund existing indebtedness.
Prior to attending law school Mr. Olson served as an officer in the United States Army for two years. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War and received the Bronze Star Medal for his service.
Speaking Engagements
Mr. Olson has spoken to numerous groups on subjects of public utility regulation, health care, real estate, banking and equal access to justice.
Honors
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Continuous 20-year listing in The Best Lawyers in America (a listing derived from a lawyer survey), currently listed in practice areas of Administrative/Regulatory Law, Energy Law, Health Care Law and Mining Law
Order of the Coif
Editor, New Mexico Law Review (Vol. 3)
Bronze Star Medal (Vietnam War service)
Working with Thomas on a business matter
After a clerkship with the Honorable Oliver Seth of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, Mr. Olson joined Montgomery & Andrews in 1974 and is currently of counsel to the firm. For more than forty-five years, he has represented public utilities and other clients in regulatory proceedings before the Public Regulation Commission and its two predecessor agencies, the Public…
Clients Thomas works with
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, energy, and environmental matters in Santa Fe and the surrounding New Mexico area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of New Mexico
J.D. · 1973
Stanford University
B.A. · 1968
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
New Mexico
1973 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in University of New Mexico and B.A. in Stanford University.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in University of New Mexico and B.A. in Stanford University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in New Mexico 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.
Locations
Thomas W. Olson's office in Santa Fe
Thomas's primary office is at 325 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, NM, 87501. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Thomas W. Olson — 5.0/5 rating from 2 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 Santa Fe.
5.0
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Thomas W. Olson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Thomas W. Olson — 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 Santa Fe, New Mexico
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 W. Olson
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 New Mexico 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 Santa Fe?
Thomas is licensed in New Mexico. Matters governed by New Mexico 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 Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Las Cruces in New Mexico
Thomas handles business matters throughout New Mexico. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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