J. Thomas Vetne

PRO

J. Thomas Vetne

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 29 years

Personal injury Lawyer at Elkhart, IN
Practice Areas: Personal Injury, Lawsuits & Disputes, Litigation ... +3 more

230 N. Main, Elkhart, IN

Free Consultation

About J.

Biography

Your schedule. Your fight. Your victory.

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Personal Injury 25%

30 years

25%
Lawsuits and Disputes 20%

30 years

20%
Litigation 20%

20%
Car Accident 15%

15%
Appeals 10%

10%
Contracts and Agreements 10%

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 300-500 per hour

Contingency

25%-33%


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

Licenses

Licensed in Indiana for 29 years

State: Indiana

Acquired: 1996

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Chester Law Office

230 N. Main, Elkhart, IN, 46516

chesterlawoffice.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find J. online.

J. Thomas Vetne's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

40 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (40) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | May 27, 2021 | Hired Attorney

Tom Vetne is great to work with and is highly recommended!

When you have the misfortune of people taking advantage of others (and the system at large), it is a nerve wracking experience. In working with Tom, I was immediately eased and assured about how to deal with the circumstances and became well-informed about how to navigate an otherwise intimidating pr...ocess of dealing with dishonest characters. Tom was efficient and he greatly reduced the stress of the situation by being a great coach for effectively resolving a frustrating situation. Listening to his advice every step of the way was the right thing to do. I appreciate him and recommend his services as trusted counsel.

Posted by Mike | April 19, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Excellent Job

Never having been involved in a lawsuit before, I found Mr. Vente to be very personable, his demeanor was confident and experienced. He answered all of my questions, explained what the process was going to be, I felt confident that he would have my best interest in mind. He was with me through the ...deposition process and his advice after them was spot on. He kept me well informed through this whole process and the case turned out in my favor as he predicted.

Posted by Sandra | April 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Litigation

Trial

Tom went above and beyond. As I sat daily worried about trial Tom continued to tell me not to worry because he wasn't worried. The exceptional meticulous work he did for us was amazing. He followed through with every question we had. The day we walked into trial Tom had it from every angel there was ...no question in my mind then. He did not miss a step not one. I am truly blessed that he was my attorney for the biggest case of my life. If you want an attorney that will fight 100% and give it all he's got Tom is it. Thank you Tom for all that you have done for me and my family and for not letting my son down. We were truly blessed having you in our lives at a time that was very difficult.

Posted by Michael Ganz | November 16, 2014 | Lawsuits & Disputes

BEST ATTORNEY I've ever had...

I am involved in a slip and fall lawsuit where I was sued for negligence and lost. The attorney I had originally hired was horrible, typical Attorney that never followed up or returned a phone call. Jan Thomas Vetnebis handling my appeal, he's on top of everything and has had a sense of urgency... regarding every part of my case from the moment I hired him until now. I haven't emailed him once where he hasn't responded within minutes via computer or cell phone. I always feel like I'm his only client -- AND HE'S BUSY!! The appeal that he and his partner wrote for me was astounding. The best thing I ever did was to hire Jan Thomas Vetne! HE IS THE BEST.... I would highly recommend him to anyone... He's honest, he knows his craft and I've felt a sense of peace and tranquility since I've hired him... It's like having the star quarterback on your team... HIRE HIM and his staff. You won't regret it.

Posted by Julia | November 04, 2014 | Litigation

Great lawyer to have in your corner!

I was very satisfied and super happy with Tom. He took all of the stress on himself and let my husband and I relax. I loved when he told us that we were paying him to do the worrying for us. It was a beautiful sight to see him do his litigating in action. He really does his homework and knows the law.... It was an honor to work with him. If I ever need a lawyer in his area of expertise again I will most certainly look to retain Tom.

See All Client Reviews

J. Thomas Vetne's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse J.
James Paul Barth headshot
James Barth

Personal injury lawyer | Apr 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Tom is a great lawyer and dedicated to his clients. He's also quick with a joke, smile, or laugh."

Michael David Babcock headshot
Michael Babcock

Personal injury lawyer | Nov 12

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Very fair and knowledgeable. An asset to our legal community."

Joe Morris headshot
Joe Morris

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer | Sep 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Tom is a very talented and creative attorney. I've known Tom for over twenty years and he's as good as they come!! Hire him with confidence!!!"

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Personal injury lawyer | Jun 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Jan. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Janet G. Horvath headshot
Janet Horvath

Insurance lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Timothy W. Woods headshot
Timothy Woods

Appeals lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Robert Maurer Edwards Jr. headshot
Robert Edwards

Unknown lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Brian Randall Gates headshot
Brian Gates

Appeals lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jacqueline Sells Homann headshot
Jacqueline Homann

Litigation lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

John W. Van Laere headshot
John Van Laere

Appeals lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Brian Patrick Kelly headshot
Brian Kelly

Unknown lawyer | Mar 03

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

Colin Jonathan Reilly headshot
Colin Reilly

Unknown lawyer | Mar 03

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Sarah Elizabeth Way headshot
Sarah Way

Unknown lawyer | Feb 27

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer."

Brian M. Kubicki headshot
Brian Kubicki

Litigation lawyer | Dec 03

Relationship: Co-worker

"Tom is an experienced trial attorney who has the unique ability to connect with a jury. He is thoughtful in his approach to every case and sensitive to his client's particular needs."

John Burt Ford headshot
John Ford

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
James Paul Barth headshot
James Barth

Litigation lawyer

Michael David Babcock headshot
Michael Babcock

Personal injury lawyer

Ryan Nicholas Lindinger headshot
Ryan Lindinger

Personal injury lawyer

John W. Van Laere headshot
John Van Laere

Business lawyer

Janet G. Horvath headshot
Janet Horvath

Probate lawyer

Jacqueline Sells Homann headshot
Jacqueline Homann

Corporate and incorporation lawyer

Lyle Raymond Hardman headshot
Lyle Hardman

Construction and development lawyer

Edward R. Ruiz headshot
Edward Ruiz

Criminal defense lawyer

Joe Morris headshot
Joe Morris

Family lawyer

Rebecca M. Decoster headshot
Rebecca Decoster

Litigation lawyer

Sarah Elizabeth Way headshot
Sarah Way

Business lawyer

Brian Patrick Kelly headshot
Brian Kelly

Unknown lawyer

Timothy W. Woods headshot
Timothy Woods

Unknown lawyer

Colin Jonathan Reilly headshot
Colin Reilly

Car accident lawyer

Robert Maurer Edwards Jr. headshot
Robert Edwards

Mediation lawyer

Mark J. Phillipoff headshot
Mark Phillipoff

Family lawyer

Brian M. Kubicki headshot
Brian Kubicki

Appeals lawyer

Brian Randall Gates headshot
Brian Gates

Appeals lawyer

John Burt Ford headshot
John Ford

Employment and labor lawyer

Franklin D. Julian Jr. headshot
Franklin Julian

Car accident lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2022

Most Prolific Trial Attorney, Indiana Jury Verdict Reporter

2018

Most Prolific Trial Attorney, Indiana Jury Verdict Reporter

2016

Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers

2015

Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America

2015

Award of Distinction, Center For Plain Language

2014

Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

Superb Rating, AVVO

2012

Certificate of Appreciation for redrafting the local rules, Local Rules Committee, Northern District of Indiana

2011

Most Prolific Trial Attorney - runner up, Indiana Jury Verdict Reporter

2009

AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

1993

Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Beta Kappa

1992

Winner, Center for Asian Studies Essay Contest, Center for Asian Studies, University of Texas at Austin

N/A

Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell

N/A

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

2024 - Present

Partner, Chester Law Office

2023 - 2024

Partner, Hunt Suedhoff Kearney LLP

2000 - 2022

Partner, Jones Obenchain LLP

1998 - 1999

Guest Lecturer, Andrews University

1996 - 2000

Attorney, Steven A. Johnson & Associates

Associations

2025 - Present

Indiana Trial Lawyers Association

Sustaining Member

2012 - 2015

DTCI

Attorney Member

2010 - 2013

Local rules Committee, Northern District of Indiana

Attorney Member

2003 - 2003

Adult Leadership South Bend/Mishawaka

Class of 2003

Calumet American Inn of Court

Attorney Member

Robert A. Grant American Inn of Court

Attorney Member

Fischoff National Chamber Music Association

Secretary

Sample of Legal Cases

Malibu Media, LLC v. Jane Doe, No. 2:13-cv-00099-rlm-jem, United States District Court, Northern District of Indiana

Malibu dismissed the case rather than go to trial. Jane Doe didn't pay a dime in settlement

Steven X. Charley, et al. v. Advance Sweeping, Inc. and USM Services, No. 45D05-1102-CT-00034, Lake Superior Court

Defense verdict for defendants

Sheldon v. Hobart Ridge Corporation, et al., No. 45D10-1005-CT-00081, Lake Superior Court

Directed verdict for my client

Auto Owners Insurance Company v. Amanda Singleton, et al. No. 71D07-0802-PL-00021, St. Joseph Superior Court

Judgment for Amanda Singleton

See More Legal Cases

Education

1996

Valparaiso University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1993

University of Texas System, Austin

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2025

Elkhart City Bar Association

Plain language for lawyers

2024

Elkhart County Bar Association

Seven habits of highly effective lawyers

2017

Elkhart County Bar Association

Legal writing

2016

Robert A. Grant American Inn of Court

Arguments for discipline in ineffective-assistance claims

2016

Litigation: Tips, Tricks, and Substance

Deconstructing a Posner opinion to improve your legal writing

2015

Robert A. Grant American Inn of Court

Spoliation of Evidence

2013

Claims Conference

Hot Topics in Indiana Law

2012

Claims Conference

Indiana Law Update

2011

Claims Conference

Indiana Law Update

N/A

Elkhart County Bar Association

Plain English Rules Revision

Publications

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

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