Tom Alan Cunningham

Tom Alan Cunningham, ADR Attorney in Houston, Texas

Over 52 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Business, and Contracts · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

OwneratTom Alan Cunningham, PLLC

Houston, TX

Practicing adr in Houston since 1974.

52+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Tom Alan Cunningham is an owner based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Contracts. Tom has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Tom Alan Cunningham, PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Houston, TX
Experience
over 52 years
Known for
ADR · Business · Contracts
  • Handles ADR, Business, and Contracts matters from Houston, TX.
  • Over 52 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Tom Alan Cunningham: Tom Alan Cunningham is an owner based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Contracts. Tom has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Tom Alan Cunningham, PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Tom takes on

Tom concentrates on adr, business, contracts, energy, and estate litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Tom handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

ADR cases in Houston, Texas

Tom takes adr matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Tom agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Houston, Texas

Tom takes business matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Tom agrees to represent you.

Contracts cases in Houston, Texas

Tom takes contracts matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Tom agrees to represent you.

Energy cases in Houston, Texas

Tom takes energy matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Tom agrees to represent you.

Estate Litigation cases in Houston, Texas

Tom takes estate litigation matters in Houston, Texas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Tom agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Tom Alan Cunningham — adr lawyer in Houston

Tom Alan Cunningham is an owner based in Houston, TX. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Contracts. Tom has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Tom Alan Cunningham, PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

J.D, University of Texas. Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers, Texas State Chair. Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Governing Board North American Branch, Chair, Texas Chapter. Member, American Board of Trial Advocates. Member, American Law Institute. Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright (1972-1998). Partner, Cunningham Darlow LLP (1998-2016). Chair, Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct. Chair, Texas Commission on Lawyer Discipline Chair, Board of Directors, State Bar of Texas. Chair, Texas Bar Foundation. Chair of the Fellows, Texas Bar Foundation. Sustaining Life Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation. Sustaining Life Fellow, Houston Bar Foundation. Certified in mediation and dispute resolution by CEDR, London. Author/Lecturer: Bifurcated Trials: Creative Uses of the Moriel Decision, 46 Baylor L. Rev. 807 (1994); Structuring Arbitration to Work for You, State Bar of Texas Advanced Evidence and Discovery Course, April, 2012; New Resources and Practical Problems in Legal Ethics, State Bar of Texas Labor and Employment Law Section Annual Program, South Texas College of Law, November 3, 2005; Defending Cases with “Limited Discovery” — The 1999 Texas Discovery Rules, 8th Annual Advanced Civil Trial Law Conference, South Texas College of Law, February 4, 1999; The Hotel Industry: Its Risks, Opportunities and Outlook, Asia Law and Practice, 1997; ADR in America: Lessons for Dispute Resolution in Europe, International Chamber of Commerce Institute for International Business Law and Practice, 1995; Forum Shopping for Court ADR, a Roundtable, Alternatives, Vol. 13, No. 6, June, 1995; The Charge of the Court, South Texas College of Law, Trial Practice and Procedure Course, April, 1993; Fiduciary Litigation, State Bar of Texas, Advanced Estate Planning and Probate Course, June, 1992; Problems in Professional Responsibility, State Bar of Texas, Advanced Evidence and Discovery Course, May, 1991; Jury Questions in Construction Litigation -- An Outline of Selected Problems, University of Texas at Austin, Third Annual Construction Law Conference, February, 1990.


Tom's approach to adr cases

J.D, University of Texas. Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers, Texas State Chair. Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Governing Board North American Branch, Chair, Texas Chapter. Member, American Board of Trial Advocates. Member, American Law Institute. Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright (1972-1998). Partner, Cunningham Darlow LLP (1998-2016). Chair, Texas State Commission on Judicial…

Clients Tom works with

Tom reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, business, and contracts matters in Houston and the surrounding Texas area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of Texas

    J.D. · 1974

  • University of Texas

    B.A. · 1968

Jurisdictions

Tom's state bar admissions

  • Texas

    1974 · ACTIVE

Tom studied at J.D. in University of Texas and B.A. in University of Texas.

Law school and academic background

Tom completed J.D. in University of Texas and B.A. in University of Texas. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Tom runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Tom has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Tom's professional memberships and bar associations

  • State Bar of Texas (Chair, Board of Directors, 1991-1992) Houston Bar Association American Bar Association American Law Institute American College of Trial Lawyers American Board of Trial Advocates Chartered Institute of Arbitrators

    membership

  • American Bar Foundation

    bar_fellowship

  • Texas Bar Foundation (Member, Board of Directors, 1994—)

    bar_fellowship

Locations

Tom Alan Cunningham's office in Houston

Tom's primary office is at 919 Milam Street, Suite 575, Houston, TX, 77002. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Tom Alan Cunningham, PLLC

919 Milam Street, Suite 575

Houston, TX 77002

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Tom Alan Cunningham — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Tom. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in Houston.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Tom Alan Cunningham claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Tom Alan Cunningham — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Tom usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Tom charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Tom'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; Tom will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adr attorney in Houston, Texas

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 Tom

Tom discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adr 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. Tom confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Tom's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Tom Alan Cunningham

  • How much does it cost to hire Tom for a adr case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Tom walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Tom offer a free consultation?

    Tom charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Tom's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Tom's current terms during booking.

  • How long do adr cases in Texas typically take?

    Simple adr 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. Tom gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Tom take my case if I'm outside Houston?

    Tom is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Tom 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 Tom?

    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. Tom will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Tom accepting new adr clients right now?

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

Areas served

ADR attorneys serving Houston, Dallas and Austin in Texas

Tom handles adr matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.

More counsel

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