$ 300-400 per hour
About Thomas
Biography
My firm provides a unique combination of high-level skill and experience from representing hundreds of clients on complex and simple legal matters. Reasonable, affordable fee structures are made possible by keeping my cost of doing business at an efficient level through technologies that conserve resources. Clients and peers consistently find my knowledge and execution combine to provide superior legal representation. Construction law matters, other business matters, and arbitrator/mediator appointments are all competently and professionally handled in ways that win the admiration and respect of those I work for and those who refer my services.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Construction and Development
80%
45 years | 750 cases
Arbitration
10%
45 years | 200 cases
Mediation
10%
38 years | 100 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Georgia for 44 years
State: Georgia
Acquired: 1981
No misconduct found
Location
Richelo Law Group, LLC
8230 Grogans Ferry Road., Atlanta, GA, 30350
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Thomas Richelo's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 13 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | March 11, 2019 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Construction and development, Arbitration, Mediation
Although the area of law for my legal issue was not the same as the attorney's specialization, he answered my question answered clearly and in a timely manner. I appreciated very much that he was able to assist me.
Posted by Weldon | July 9, 2013
Tom Richelo will always be the most prepared and work the hardest for his clients!
Tom represented me in a contract dispute with a former employer. From the day he started working on my case, he guided me through the process and prepared me for each stage. As this was a very stressful situation for me, Tom's ongoing reassurance and support made it much easier. He was extremely th...
Posted by Carole | June 25, 2013
Assessment of Thomas Richelo's Legal Service
Thomas Richelo was very competent and caring in my lawsuit against a former employer for pension benefits. He had experience in litigation of similar matters involving my employer's affiliate. He was extremely conscientious in pursuing every avenue and preparing for court. He steered my lawsuit thro...
Posted by Ed | May 6, 2013
Outstanding Attorney
Best attorney I have ever hired. Smart, strong, trustworthy, and won't quit. Will not back down from anybody. Very detailed and creative. He will be worth every penny you pay him.
Posted by Jerome | February 6, 2013
Excellant Construction and Corporate attorney
I first hired Tom as president of a construction firm and needed an experienced construction and corporate attorney. Tom assisted us on a wide range of matters including issues involving corporate structure, customer issues, and intellectual property concerns with competitors and lien law questions....
Thomas Richelo's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Highly respected in the community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Very skilled and knowledgeable when it comes to the law."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Richelo and I practice in some of the same areas of law. I have had the privilege of reviewing many of his responses and comments to questions posted on Avvo. His answers and comments reflect a deep understanding of the law and have provided helpful information. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Thomas. Highly respected in the legal community with a strong reputation for client advocacy and dedication."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."
"Tom is a highly respected lawyer in the community and at the top of his game. He is widely known as a leader in the areas of construction and business law, and has an unmatched reputation in the industry."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"Tom is widely known in the Atlanta legal community as an expert in his field and has a stellar reputation in construction law and related fields that is well-deserved."
"Tom and I worked in the same law firm a number of years ago. He is held in deservedly high regard as a responsive and knowledgeable attorney who is thoroughly devoted to advancing the best interests of his clients."
"I have known Tom for 30 years and have actually had the pleasure of being in trial with him a couple of times. The first time was when we were both young lawyers, the second time was over a decade later. The unusual competence that he showed early in his career only strengthen over time. Tom prepares thoroughly for his trials and is has a wealth of information and experience, particularly in construction litigation. If I have a tough construction matter that needs experienced, tenacious counsel, I will call Tom."
"I have known Tom for over thirty years. He is a bright guy and a tenacious litigator. He has particular skills and experience in the construction industry, but has handled a wide variety of business disputes."
James Frederick
Construction and development lawyer | Apr 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. While Mr. Richelo is relatively new to Avvo, he is a very experienced attorney who is focused on what is best for the client. Sometimes that means not pursuing an action, when doing so would cost more than it is worth. Sometimes, the "counselor at law" portion of the job title is every bit as important as the legal knowledge. Mr. Richelo consistently offers legal advice that not only reflects a solid understanding of the law, but is also helpful and practical. I am happy to endorse him and his services. James Frederick"
"I endorse this lawyer. I have referred several of my Connecticut clients to Tom Richelo in the past decade. They all report being very pleased with his services. He’s experienced, resourceful and personable. While his focus is as a litigator, the mission of such an attorney is to get disputes resolved and Tom has been effective in that on several matters. I’m happy to endorse him and happy to entrust my best clients with matters he handles."
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Experience
Honors
2014
Top Rated Lawyer, American Lawyer Media
2014
Top Contributor Award, Avvo
2013
Top Rated Lawyer, American Lawyer Media
2013
Top Contributor Award, Avvo
2007
Certificate: General Mediation, Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution
1991
AV Preemient Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
1980
Editorial Board Member, Duke Law Journal
1980
Elected Member, Moot Court Board
1980
Elected to Team, National Moot Court Competition Team
1978
N Joseph Rahall Prize, Duke University Political Science Department
Work Experience
2006 - Present
CEO, Richelo Law Group, LLC
1994 - 2006
Managing Partner, Richelo Morrissey & Wright, PC
1991 - 1993
Attorney, Law Offices of Thomas Richelo
1981 - 1991
Associate; Partner, Peterson Dillard Young Asselin Powell & Wilson
Associations
2013 - Present
American Arbitration AssociationPanel of Mediators
2009 - Present
Georgia Utility Contractors AssociationAssociate Member
2006 - Present
Habitat for HumanityVolunteer
1984 - Present
American Arbitration AssociationPanel of Construction Arbitrators
1981 - Present
American Bar Association: Litigation Section, Public Contract Law Section, Tort, Trial & Insurance Law Section, Forum Committee on the Construction IndustryMember
1981 - Present
State Bar of Georgia; Dispute Resolution SectionMember
1981 - Present
Atlanta Bar Association: Construction Law Section, Dispute Resolution Section, Small Firm/Sole Practitioner SectionMember
2001 - 2008
Honduras Outreach, Inc.Group Leader and Mission Team Member
2000 - 2003
Druid Hills Civic AssociationBoard Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Satterfield v. Dale Defendants
Complete defense verdict in favor of my clients; zero liability.
Concrete Works, LLC v. Concrete Subcontractor
Six-figure verdict and judgment in favor of plaintiff/client; no recovery verdict and judgment on opponent's counterclaim.
Healthcare Authority v. Contractor and Architect
Successful mediated settlement.
Northeast Georgia Carpet, Inc. v. Copper Construction Company
Obtained recovery of full costs of extra work claim plus attorneys' fees in arbitrationa award and additional attorneys' fees, interest and court costs in subsequent court proceeding where award was confirmed.
Bonita Pipeline, Inc. v. Construction L2, Inc.
won denial of summary judgment by general contractor on numerous defenses; proceeded with arbitration case until settlement of $566,500 was obtained by client.
Astra Group v. City of Lilburn, 286 Ga. App. 568 (2007)
Won verdict and appeal of over $160,000 judgment that included client's attorneys' fees.
B. Construction Company v. School Board, et al.
Obtained settlement of over $900,000 for client.
Akers Group International, Inc. v. Bank of Brewton, 66 F.3d 341 (11th Cir. 1995)
Won appeal to reverse improperly granted summary judgment; obtained settlement of $625,000 for client.
Dalton v. PMA Cemeteries, Inc.
Won judgment in bench trial for the full amount of calculated value of clients shares of stock and collected 100% of the judgment.
Spangler v. The Coffee Station
Won on clients claims, including full amount of attorneys' fees incurred and completed defeated former employer's claims.
Former Software Company President v. Software Company
Won jury verdict in Cobb County and judgment entered was over $500,000.
Continental Heller/Williams & Burroughs v. California Department of Corrections
Obtained $6.6 Million settlement for the contractors.
C. W. Landscaping v. B. & Company
Total recovery was $162,850.
Hull v. Norcom, Inc., 750 F.2d 1547 (11th Cir. 1985)
Won declaratory judgment of invalid arbitration agreement; forced settlement of six-figure recovery for client.
Education
1981
Duke University School of Law
law
1978
Duke University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2015
Applying the Rules of Civil Procedure in Georgia
Civil Procedure
2012
Monthly Meeting
Basics of Construction Law
2010
Mid-winter Management Conference
Construction Law Developments
2009
Mid-Winter Management Conference
Construction Opportunities from The Stimulus
2002
General Contractor's Winter Management Meeting
Lessons of Construction Law Matters
1991
Program on Outpatient Facilities
Contract Negotiation: Getting the Right Construction and Design Contracts
1990
Symposium on Design-Build Method
Design-Build in High Tech Projects
Publications
2015
National Business Institute Seminar
Applying the Rules of Civil Procedure In Georgia
2006
National Business Institute Seminar
"Using a Mechanic's Lien to Get Your Money"
2005
Half Moon Seminars, LLC
"Construction Site Safety Issues"
2001
Design/Build Contracting Handbook by Wiley Law Publications
Application of Design/Build to this Age of Technological Advancement"
1996
National Business Institute Seminar
"Georgia Construction Law: What Do You Do When . . .?""
1995
ASHE and AHA Proceedings Manual
The Great Design and Construction Contracting Game
1990
Associated General Contrators, Georgia Branch Mid-winter Meeting
"Your Surety: His Responsibilities and Rights"
1990
Associated General Contractors, Georgia Branch, Mid-Winter Meeting
"Pay When Paid Clauses: Interpretation and Enforcement"
1985
Mechanical Contractors Association of America Handbook
Construction Arbitration: Is It In Your Best Interest?
1984
Handbook of Annual Conference, Mechanical Contractors Association of America
Construction Arbitration
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
My neighbor's house fire was due to his negligence. Can I sue him or his insurance company for lowering my property value?
30 May 2019
Q&A
Who is liable for theft of a motorcycle on hotel property?
30 May 2019
Q&A
Do I have to sign a contract with a summer camp that I don't agree to?
30 May 2019