Thomas John Cesta

Thomas John Cesta

5.0
Rating: 9.0

Licensed for 23 years

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer at Powell, OH
Practice Areas: Bankruptcy & Debt, Car Accidents, Criminal Defense

PO Box 1208, Powell, OH

About Thomas

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Bankruptcy and Debt 50%

We are a debt relief agency. We help clients get their finances under control so they can start fresh. Most people will qualify for Chapter 7 and this will give you the fresh start you need. Chapter 13 offers many advantages that make this a good bankruptcy option. Strip a second mortgage, reduce car bills, or discharge some things that cannot be discharged in Chapter 7. Plus, Chapter 13 can give you time to get back on track--up to 5 years!

19 years | 400 cases

50%
Car Accident 25%

Insurance companies take advantage of your inexperience. Don't be afraid of a contingent fee. You will often do 5-10 times better, or more, with an attorney. I won't take your case if it looks like you are not going to get more in your pocket from having an experienced personal injury attorney.

23 years | 100 cases

25%
Criminal Defense 25%

Although I started my career as a prosecutor, getting considerable courtroom experience, I have been advising and representing defendants ever since. Don't go it alone. Hire an experienced defense attorney to help you.

23 years | 200 cases

25%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Ohio for 20 years

State: Ohio

Acquired: 2005

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Arizona for 23 years

State: Arizona

Acquired: 2002

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Cesta Legal, PLLC

PO Box 1208, Powell, OH, 43065

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Thomas John Cesta's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

14 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (14) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by anonymous | November 11, 2014 | Landlord & Tenant

Recommending Tom Cesta of Cesta Legal PLLC

A friend of mine recommended that I contact Tom Cesta, at Cesta Legal, PLLC to help resolve a pressing legal matter that I had been presented with by a renter of a house I own. Tom Cesta was very professional, knowledgeable, and informative. He answered all of my questions and explained "the law" in ...easy to understand terms. I also appreciate that he discussed his fees upfront and estimated what resolving an issue such as mine would likely cost. Without any hesistation, I highly recommend Tom Cesta of Cesta Legal, PLLC to handle your legal concerns.

Posted by Julie | September 29, 2014 | Bankruptcy & Debt

Great experience with Thomas Cesta

I have nothing but great things to say about my experience with Thomas J. Cesta! He was very professional and upfront with me from the minute I walked in the door of his office. Throughout my bankruptcy process, he was very knowledgeable, kept me informed of every step and was very personal and compa...ssionate in a not so great situation to be in. I always felt like I knew what was going on with my case and he followed through up until the very end to let me know in a final email that it had been closed. He was also very quick to answer any questions I had. I would highly recommend Thomas to anyone needing legal assistance.

Posted by Robert | August 15, 2014 | Bankruptcy & Debt

Embarrassed

My wife and I had just moved here from Michigan and were in need of a lawyer who had bankruptcy experience. We were very embarrassed about the situation we were in and really didn't know any lawyers in Arizona. I met with 4 different firms before I found Mr. Cesta and we were glad we choose him. The ...other firms did not make us feel important and tried to tell us whatever they could to get our business. Mr. Cesta actually sat down with us and made us feel like we were his only clients. He was always available to answer any questions we had, either in person or on the phone, and he helped us take our embarrassing situation and move on to start our new lives in Arizona. I highly recommend Mr. Cesta to anyone in need of a lawyer or just looking for some legal advice.

Posted by Tiffany | October 18, 2012 | Debt Collection

Great service,, I highly recommend Mr. Cesta

We contacted Mr. Cesta regarding a garnishment on a judgement we were already making payments on. Mr. Cesta walked us through all of our options and took the time to explain things in such a way that we were comfortable. He handled the situation quickly and efficiently. We felt confident that he had ...our best interest at heart.

Posted by Jerry | March 19, 2012 | Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Excellent outcome, very satified. Highly recommend

My wife and I were caught up in the rental housing investment frenzy of the 2005-2007 timeframe. When we realized we were in big trouble we began to interview several law firms to represent us. We were told that our only option was a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. After hiring and cancelling with two differe...nt firms, we were fortunate to be referred to Tom Cesta. Mr. Cesta met with us when we thought we had no options remaining. After a thorough first consultation, we came away with a new hope that our ordeal would soon be behind us. What impressed us the most was the strategy that Mr. Cesta formulated that protected our assets. This was the first time any lawyer looked at all the information and found inconsistencies in our legal paperwork, that allowed us time to initiate a well thought out plan. Our Chapter 7 process was successful and we got a new start on live. Mr. Cesta was engaged in our case, kept us informed on the proceedings and ensured that we were dealt with fairly. I would ( and have) highly recommend him to represent you with your legal troubles.

See All Client Reviews

Thomas John Cesta's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Thomas
Adam A Studnicki headshot
Adam Studnicki

Unknown lawyer | Aug 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tom is a valuable asset to this community. His continuing dedication to the law and his clients is admirable."

Jennifer Melissa Brown headshot
Jennifer Brown

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Mar 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Tom is a true bankruptcy expert. His rare combination of experience and compassion make him an outstanding legal professional. Tom offers his clients top rate representation at an incredibly reasonable fee."

C. Andrew Campbell headshot
C. Andrew Campbell

Debt collection lawyer | Nov 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have worked with Mr. Cesta on a number of matters over the years and have found him to be an exemplary attorney who represents his clients in a professional manner while remaining courteous to others involved in the process."

Christopher Daniel Leroi headshot
Christopher Leroi

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Aug 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer without any reservations. It is amazing that I continue to learn from him every day from his responses on Avvo even though I have been licensed for 24 years and have served as a judge, magistrate, law professor, prosecutor, and private attorney. You can not afford not to hire him."

John J Volin headshot
John Volin

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Mar 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have referred several clients to Tom because of his knowledge, skill, and professionalism. All the feedback I have received has been positive. It is a pleasure to provide this endorsement."

Parker Evan Bornmann headshot
Parker Bornmann

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Thomas Cesta is very knowledgeable about all areas of bankruptcy. I endorse this attorney as I believe he gets the best results for his clients."

Kyle J. Bristow headshot
Kyle Bristow

Unknown lawyer | Dec 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mr. Cesta. As evidenced by the number of questions he has answered on Avvo, he has a great understanding of the law. One can deduce through his many work experiences that he is a stellar attorney."

John A. Stahmer headshot
John Stahmer

Unknown lawyer | Nov 10

Relationship: Other

"Pragmatic and practical everything you look for in an Attorney"

Gary A Kester headshot
Gary Kester

Car accident lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Cesta is a top notch litigator that is well respected in our community. He has an extensive knowledge of the law and is zealous in the representation of his clients."

Walter William Messenger Jr. headshot
Walter Messenger

Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Cesta and I attended law school together. His ethics, dedication, professionalism and hard work are secon to no one. A very good lawyer."

Ronald Lee Burdge headshot
Ronald Burdge

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Cesta knows Bankruptcy Law remarkably well. If you want accurate and good advice on your bankruptcy options, answers to your legal questions that are direct and complete, and all of it from someone who knows the law and wants to help you make the best decision for you and your family? Attorney Cesta is your answer. If you are anywhere near him, I highly recommend him to you. Saying he is good is an understatement. Saying he cares about giving accurate advice to his clients, well, that's another understatement. For bankruptcy problems, call him and get the right answers."

Douglas Garth Edmunds headshot
Douglas Edmunds

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Mar 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Cesta's responses here demonstrate a good understanding of the law. I am personally familiar with his firm and I endorse this lawyer."

Shannon E Wynn headshot
Shannon Wynn

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Mar 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Cesta provides detailed and honest postings on AVVO assisting those with debt relief / bankruptcy questions. He is an asset to the legal community and a true professional."

Dorothy G Bunce headshot
Dorothy Bunce

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Mar 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Thomas John Cesta has demonstrated a vast knowledge of bankruptcy law and the Arizona laws that relate to debtor's rights. In addition, he understands that people need to have options and takes the time to explain the choices people have to resolve their debt problems. I am honored to endorse him."

Harold E Campbell III headshot
Harold Campbell

Litigation lawyer | Mar 02

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Tom always provides maximum effort for his clients while still maintaining impeccable professional credentials, something that is increasingly rare these days. I never hesitate to refer clients to him in need of aggressive representation in court."

George E Veitengruber II headshot
George Veitengruber

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | Mar 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Tom Cesta is an outstanding resource in the bankruptcy field. He is well versed and happily works through scenarios to provide the best outcome for clients. I would highly recommend anyone in need of a bankruptcy consultation to Tom."

Jared W Bennett headshot
Jared Bennett

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Feb 15

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. He is a great guy and an excellent attorney. I have referred clients to him for litigation work and would continue to do so. I have also been told he looks good in a pair of jeans, however I leave that up to you to decide."

Ronald Arthur Wittel Jr. headshot
Ronald Wittel

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Feb 13

Relationship: Friend

"Tom Cesta is a hard worker, and he is very dedicated to practicing law. I recommend him."

William W. Fife III headshot
William Fife

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Feb 13

Relationship: Co-worker

"Tom is my law partner. I chose to found a firm with him because he is an outstanding attorney who serves his clients and the legal community with integrity and an outstanding legal mind. I endorse this lawyer."

James David Hartt headshot
James Hartt

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer | May 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Jennifer Melissa Brown headshot
Jennifer Brown

Family lawyer

James E Bache headshot
James Bache

Estate planning lawyer

Parker Evan Bornmann headshot
Parker Bornmann

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

C. Andrew Campbell headshot
C. Andrew Campbell

Litigation lawyer

Douglas Garth Edmunds headshot
Douglas Edmunds

Corporate and incorporation lawyer

Shannon E Wynn headshot
Shannon Wynn

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Diane L Drain headshot
Diane Drain

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Ronald Lee Burdge headshot
Ronald Burdge

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Alan D. Walton headshot
Alan Walton

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Dorothy G Bunce headshot
Dorothy Bunce

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Michael F Magee headshot
Michael Magee

Car accident lawyer

Walter William Messenger Jr. headshot
Walter Messenger

Personal injury lawyer

Sean Larkin headshot
Sean Larkin

Civil rights lawyer

Harold E Campbell III headshot
Harold Campbell

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Perry Edward Casazza headshot
Perry Casazza

Personal injury lawyer

William W. Fife III headshot
William Fife

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Ronald Arthur Wittel Jr. headshot
Ronald Wittel

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

George E Veitengruber II headshot
George Veitengruber

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Robert Steven Winess headshot
Robert Winess

Workers compensation lawyer

James David Hartt headshot
James Hartt

Employment and labor lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.0 (Superb)

Honors

2015

Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Highest in Ethical Standards, The Legal Network

2013

Top Contributor, AVVO

2012

Excellent Rating, AVVO

2001

Order of the Curia, Roberta Mitchell

2001

ADR Concentration, Capital University Law School

2001

Environmental Law Concentration, Capital University Law School

2001

Dean's List, Capital University Law School

2000

Research Certification, LexisNexis

2000

Dean's List, Capital University Law School

1999

Dean's List, Capital University Law School

1987

Soldier of the Quarter, US Army

Work Experience

2014 - Present

Attorney Owner, Cesta Legal, PLLC

2009 - Present

Partner, Fife & Cesta, PLC

2007 - 2009

Associate, David Bell & Associates

2005 - 2007

Associate, Struckmeyer & Wilson, LLP

2004 - 2005

Associate, Davis Miles, PLLC

2002 - 2004

Prosecuting Attorney, Maricopa County Attorneys Office

Associations

2012 - Present

State Bar of Arizona, Bankruptcy Law Section

Member

2012 - Present

State Bar of Arizona, Sole Practitioner/Small Firm Section

Member

2007 - Present

State Bar of Arizona, Fee Arbitration Committee

Member

2002 - Present

State Bar of Arizona

Member

1987 - Present

82nd Airborne Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Rounds v. Porter

Jury verdict in favor of client for $500,000.00

In Re Duvall

Court agreed with my analysis & ruled my Client could keep his trailer

In Re Heavlin

Court Ruled in favor of my Clients and against the US Trustee

Neski & Hidlebaugh v. Windermere, Bedi

Directed Verdict for clients at trial, dismissing Plaintiffs' suit seeking $2 million in damages

In Re Arpiao

Strong settlement in favor of clients.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2001

Capital University Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1996

Arizona State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

Arizona Employment Lawyers Association

Trial and Appeal review of Winning Case

2015

Mediation Course

Mediation and Arbitration of Disputes

2013

EVENT-Mesa

Bankruptcy Basics

2012

Financial Law Solutions

Bankruptcy

2011

Community in Crisis: Short Sales, Foreclosures and Bankrutpcy

Bankruptcy

Publications

2008

Arizona State Bar Trial Practice Newsletter Filling the Gap with Written Depositions

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution