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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

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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.

Main office

Bose McKinney & Evans LLP

111 Monument Circle, Suite 2700

Indianapolis, IN 46204

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Client 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 reviews

Hiring 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

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.