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Richard A. Thomas
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Richard A. Thomas
The Law Office of Richard A. Thomas
380 S. Melrose Drive
Suite 405
Vista, CA 92081
Phone: (760) 643-4040 | Fax: (760) 643-4080
Experienced and Professional Service - Reasonable Fees
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to work with clients who find themselves in a difficult situation where they cannot meet their financial obligations, including credit card debt, medical bills, court judgments, or a pending foreclosure or trustee sale.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Business Bankruptcy
- Personal Bankruptcy
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
CA, Jun 1993
Bar Number: 165144
Other Court Admissions
All California Superior Courts and Southern, Eastern and Central Federal Districts of California.
Association Memberships
North County and San Diego County Bar Associations.
Continuing Education
Each year, I continue to exceed the standard California requirements by attending education seminars in the areas of bankruptcy, family law and criminal defense.
Example Cases
During my fifteen years practicing bankruptcy law, each of the Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases my firm has filed has resulted in the discharge of my client's personal and business debts.
Education
Degree:
Bachelor General Studies
School:
University of Nebraska at Omaha
City:
Omaha
State:
NE
Year:
1971
Honors:
Deans List
Focus and Accomplishments:
Major in Business with Minor in Economics
Degree:
Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
School:
Sul Ross State University
City:
Alpine
State:
TX
Year:
1975
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
City:
San Diego
State:
CA
Year:
1993
Honors:
Honors in Appellate Advocacy and Legal Research
Focus and Accomplishments:
Participant in an International Moot Court Competition at Hastings Law School
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
Upon my retirement from the United States Army and completion of law school, I opened my law firm in July of 1993. From its inception, the firm has focused on three areas of law:
1. Bankruptcy
2. Family law
3. Criminal defense
Our practice focuses on quick and proficient resolution of issues in the areas of bankruptcy, family law and criminal defense.
Previous Employment Summary
Prior to my practice of law, I was a career combat Air Defense Officer in the United States Army and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. During my military service, I served on the General Staffs of the Sixth U.S. Army; U.S. Army Europe: U. S. Army Japan; U.S. Army Southern Command; and the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. As a Staff Officer, I was responsible for Plans and Operations activities to the each of the Commanding Generals.
Activities and Awards
I have served as a Judge Pro Tem for the Superior Court of California, North County Division, for both Traffic and Small Claims trials.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
My clients are encouraged to do their own research on legal issues but are cautioned not to make major legal decisions without the counsel of a licensed attorney.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
My general policy is not to review legal documents which have been prepared by a potential client unless I have been retained as legal counsel.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
My general policy is not to coach clients who want to represent themselves. My reasoning is that I must first review all relevant information pertaining to their legal issue, and to do that, I must be retained as legal counsel.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
After retiring from the U.S. Army, I decided to pursue a second professional career and selected the practice of law. I have had no regrets since I enjoy being a problem-solver, which is an attorney's primary responsibility.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My twelve-plus years serving on the staffs of General Officers have well-prepared me to be an attorney because of the countless number of staff studies and decision papers that I routinely had to present and defend. Additionally, I was selected as the command briefer, as an additional duty, in most of the commands I was assigned. These unique experiences, which enhanced my research, writing and speaking skills, enabled me to quickly become a skilled attorney.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
During law school, I was very lucky to do a one-year internship with the Office of the Public Defender and to serve as a Small Claims Legal Advisor for the county of San Diego for two years. Thus, with these practical experiences, I also was able to immediately open my law office upon passing the State of California Bar Examination and focus on the areas of bankruptcy, family law and criminal defense.
What do you like best about your career?
I like having the opportunity to be a problem-solver for my clients and to assist them during their times of personal or family financial crisis.
Tell us about your law firm:
As a sole-practitioner, I work directly with clients both in my office and in the courtroom. My staff is also available to meet client needs when I am unavailable due to other court commitments.
What are your strengths and style?
People describe me as being a personable, knowledgeable, and professional attorney who pays close attention to detail but at the same time is able to grasp the big picture. This combination enables me to offer the best possible legal assistance to the client.
Personal Interests:
My top priority is to handle my client's legal needs in both a fast and efficient manner. I also keep my mind and body in the best possible condition by staying apprised of the latest legal changes in each of the areas that I practice, and through regular physical conditioning so that I have the endurance to work efficiently under stressful conditions.
Office Manager/Assistant
Walter Hernandez, Paralegal.
Fax
(760) 643-4080
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Special arrangements can be made for after-hours office appointments.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Yes, Walter Hernandez: Spanish; Steve Larson: Portuguese.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy fees range from $1,500 to $2,400.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy fees range from $3,000.
Family law retainers start at $3,000.
Misdemeanor retainer fees start at $1,500 and felonies at $3,000.
Hourly Rates
$300 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
I offer a free initial 30-minute consultation.
Typical Retainer
My retainer fee for bankruptcy cases is $500. The balance of the fees are due when the bankruptcy is ready to be reviewed, signed and filed with the court.
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.
