Tom O'Gara, Environmental Attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana
Over 54 years of legal practice · focused on Environmental and Litigation · 4.5/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
PartneratBose McKinney & Evans LLP
Indianapolis, IN
Practicing environmental in Indianapolis since 1972.
- 54+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 4 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Tom O'Gara?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Tom O'Gara is a partner based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on Environmental and Litigation. Tom has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bose McKinney & Evans LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
- Based in
- Indianapolis, IN
- Experience
- over 54 years
- Known for
- Environmental · Litigation
- Handles Environmental and Litigation matters from Indianapolis, IN.
- Over 54 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Tom O'Gara: Tom O'Gara is a partner based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on Environmental and Litigation. Tom has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bose McKinney & Evans LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Tom takes on
Tom concentrates on environmental and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Tom handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Environmental cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
Tom takes environmental matters in Indianapolis, 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 Tom agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
Tom takes litigation matters in Indianapolis, 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 Tom agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Tom O'Gara — environmental lawyer in Indianapolis
Tom O'Gara is a partner based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on Environmental and Litigation. Tom has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bose McKinney & Evans LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
Tom O’Gara is a partner in the Bose McKinney & Evans Environmental Group. His practice is focused on environmental litigation with an emphasis on prosecuting or defending cost recovery and contribution actions involving private parties and defending and resolving claims brought by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. He also advises clients on evaluating environmental risks and protecting themselves from potential liabilities in connection with real estate transactions and development projects involving Brownfields or other recognized environmental conditions.
Tom has represented many policyholders in securing their insurance coverage rights both prior to or following litigation and has successfully negotiated and obtained numerous favorable settlements of disputed insurance coverage claims. His insurance coverage practice includes many notable victories relating to the duty to defend, bad faith, environmental response costs, and D&O coverage. He represents individuals and businesses in all aspects of litigation in both state and federal courts.
Prior to joining Bose McKinney & Evans, Tom was a partner at an Indianapolis law firm, where he focused on complex civil, commercial, and environmental litigation, in addition to representing policyholders in insurance coverage disputes.
Honors / Awards
Best Lawyers in America Environmental Law (2015-2023) and Environmental Litigation (2016-2023)
Appointments / Memberships
Tom is a member of the Environmental Law and Litigation sections of the Indiana State Bar Association and a member of the Environmental Law, Insurance Coverage and Litigation sections of the Indianapolis Bar Association.
Working with Tom on a environmental matter
Tom O’Gara is a partner in the Bose McKinney & Evans Environmental Group. His practice is focused on environmental litigation with an emphasis on prosecuting or defending cost recovery and contribution actions involving private parties and defending and resolving claims brought by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. He also advises clients on evaluating environmental risks and…
Who Tom represents
Tom reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental and litigation matters in Indianapolis and the surrounding Indiana area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
J.D. · 1996
DePauw University
B.A. · 1992
Jurisdictions
Tom's state bar admissions
Indiana
1996 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1972 · ACTIVE
Tom studied at J.D. in Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and B.A. in DePauw University.
Law school and academic background
Tom completed J.D. in Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and B.A. in DePauw University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Tom runs in Indiana 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.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Tom's professional memberships and bar associations
Professional Affiliations / Recognitions: American Bar Association
Member, Litigation and Environmental Sections), Indiana State Bar Association (Member), Indianapolis Bar Association (Member), Best Lawyers in America (Honoree) Community Involvement: CYO Boys' Basketball Coach at Little Flower School (Coach), Scecina Mem · membership
Locations
Tom O'Gara's office in Indianapolis
Tom's primary office is at 111 Monument Circle, Suite 2700, Indianapolis, IN, 46204. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Bose McKinney & Evans LLP
111 Monument Circle, Suite 2700
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Tom O'Gara — 4.5/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
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 environmental attorneys in Indianapolis.
4.5
4 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Tom O'Gara claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Tom O'Gara — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new environmental 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 environmental attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many environmental 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 environmental practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every environmental 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 environmental practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Tom O'Gara
How much does it cost to hire Tom for a environmental 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 environmental attorneys offer free consults — check Tom's current terms during booking.
How long do environmental cases in Indiana typically take?
Simple environmental 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 Indianapolis?
Tom 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 — 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 environmental 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
Environmental attorneys serving Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Carmel in Indiana
Tom handles environmental matters throughout Indiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified environmental attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated environmental attorneys in Indiana
If Tom's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these environmental attorneys in Indianapolis handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





