
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
Are you Tom Alan Cunningham?
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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
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Business
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Contracts
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Energy
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Estate Litigation
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General
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Litigation
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Trusts
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Wills
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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.
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.
Read all reviewsHiring 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
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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.





