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Thomas James Butts

Thomas James Butts

Butts & Johnson
481 N 1st Street
San Jose, CA 95112

Phone: (408) 293-4818 x208  |  Fax: (408) 293-3478
http://www.bjlaw.com

Contact Thomas James Butts

Proud to serve the injured worker.

Legal Topic

Employment & Labor Relations

Preferred New Clients

Representing California workers injured on the job.

Sub-Categories

Employment & Labor Relations
  • Workers' Compensation

Bar Admissions

CA, May 1979
Bar Number: 85440

Specialty Certifications

Workers' Compensation

Other Court Admissions

California
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

Association Memberships

California State Bar Association Santa Clara County Bar Association

Continuing Education

I have completed over 100 hours of workers' compensation seminars in the last 4 years, some of which I have taught.

Example Cases

I have taken to trial and won disputed total permanent disability cases. I have handled the cases through the appeals process to the Court of Appeals. In the interest of my client's privacy, I will not disclose names on this forum.

Education

Degree:

Bachelor of Arts

School:

San Jose State University

City:

San Jose

State:

CA

Year:

1975

Focus and Accomplishments:

Political Science

 

Degree:

Juris Doctor

School:

McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific

City:

Sacramento

State:

CA

Year:

1978

Focus and Accomplishments:

Law

Number of Attorneys

7

State Licensed In

California

Firm Focus and History

We are dedicated to protecting the rights and dignity of injured workers. We strive to obtain fully all of the benefits to which our clients are entitled. Our firm has a solid reputation of aggressive representation on behalf of our clients.

Previous Employment Summary

I worked my way through college and law school, and joined a Workers' Compensation firm in 1980. I started my own office in 1990.

Activities and Awards

None

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

A knowledgeable client is a better client. We strive to educate our clients on the workings of the law so that together we can achieve an understanding of the needs of the client and meet those needs whenever possible.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Definitely willing to review documents in this very specialized area of the law.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

It is extremely difficult to do this due to the complexity of the law and our desire to fully serve the clients that we have.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

If you want to make a difference, it is important to gain the necessary knowledge to make a change. There are too many people who are willing to take from others because they think they can or believe they are entitled. Knowing how to work within the legal system to protect those who are not so privileged was a motivating force.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

Many years of listening and working with my clients is the best experience and education. There are constant changes in the area of workers' compensation requiring many hours of study, review and consultation.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

I decided to handle workers' compensation in order to represent good, honest working people who get hurt doing their job and are challenged by a very difficult and confusing benefit system. It allows me to represent people with whom I can identify.

What do you like best about your career?

I can make a significant difference in the lives of my clients. There is great satisfaction in helping others.

Tell us about your law firm:

This is a challenging area of law which requires a person to be dedicated to improving the lives of our clients. Our attorneys and staff are always willing to put forth the effort and energy to better serve our clients.

What are your strengths and style?

Perseverance, knowledge, willingness and the desire to do what is right for my clients. You will get to speak to an attorney about your case during the whole time your case is in our office.

Personable and aggressive.

Personal Interests:

Triathlon; ballroom dancing.

Office Manager/Assistant

Teri Parks

Fax

(408) 293-3478

Office Hours

Monday through Thursday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Emergency After Hours

No

Foreign Languages

None

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

Our fees are on a contingency basis that is set by State Policy. Generally, the fees will range from 10-15%.

Hourly Rates

None

Free Initial Consultation?

There is no charge for the initial consultation.

Typical Retainer

None

Understanding Fees

Nolo's Licensing Check

Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.

Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.