Jill Andrea Thomas has over 29 years’ litigation and appellate experience. Her areas of practice include complex civil litigation in a wide variety of areas including business and real estate litigation, employment litigation, professional liability, construction defect litigation, medical malpractice, personal injury, and insurance bad faith. She has successfully tried, arbitrated and mediated hundreds of cases.
Ms. Thomas has successfully handled over 100 civil appeals and writs for over 25 years before the California Supreme Court and the Courts of Appeal throughout the State of California as well as the United States Supreme Court and federal circuit courts of appeals.
She has been certified as an appellate specialist by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization since 2001. Reported cases include Ridgley v.Topa Thrift & Loan Association (1998) 17 Cal.4th 970, an important Supreme Court decision concerning real estate prepayment penalties; First City Properties v. MacAdam (1996) 49 Cal.App.4th 507; People v. Wills (2000) 86 Cal.App.4th 383; and Shekhter v. Sunset Masonry & Concrete (2004) 121 Cal.App.4th 1055.
Ms. Thomas was a research attorney for the Orange County Superior Court in 1982 and also worked as specially appointed appellate counsel for the California Appellate Project for the State of California from 1997 through 2001.
Ms. Thomas graduated with honors from Immaculate Heart College where she was the recipient of the California State Scholarship and the Young Artists’ Award.
Ms. Thomas was admitted to the California Bar in 1980 and is also admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court and the United States District Court for the Southern, Central, and Northern Districts of California. She is an active member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, the Orange County Bar Association, and Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles.
Practice areas
For 28 years, have successfully handle civil appeals and writs in California Courts of Appeal and Supreme Court, Federal Appellate Courts and California Supreme Court. Many appeals have resulted in published opinions. Previously acted as special counsel for the California Appellate Project for the State of California. Since 1991, have been a Certified Appellate Specialist by the California State Board of Legal Specialization.
42 years, 150 cases
Handle all aspects of complex business litigation, construction defect, professional liability, and personal injury. I have tried over 20 cases, mediated over 100 cases, and arbitrated over 50 cases in courts located throughout the State of California.
42 years, 200 cases
Languages spoken
French
3 Hutton Centre Dr Ste 900
Santa Ana, CA, 92707
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 1980 | 06/17/2022 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Certified Appellate Specialist | State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization | 2001 |
Young Artists' Award | Immaculate Heart College | 1972 |
California State Scholarship | State of California | 1968 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Senior Attorney | Callahan & Blaine | 2004 - Present |
Senior Attorney | Hollins, Shekhter | 2003 - 2004 |
Senior Attorney | Veatch, Carlson, Grogan & Nelson | 2001 - 2003 |
Sole Proprietor | Law Offices of Jill A. Thomas | 1996 - 2001 |
Senior Attorney | Lewitt, Hackman, Hoefflin, Shapiro & Marshall | 1993 - 1996 |
Associate | O'Flaherty & Belgum | 1991 - 1993 |
Associate | Gustlin, Golob & Bragin | 1986 - 1991 |
Associate Attorney | Ross, Fields, & Zaks | 1983 - 1986 |
Research Attorney | Orange County Superior Court | 1982 - 1983 |
Associate | Law Offices of Richard L. Knickerbocker | 1980 - 1981 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Orange County Bar Association | 2004 - 2009 | |
Southern California Defense Counsel | 2002 - 2005 | |
California Women Lawyers | 1996 - 2003 | |
Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles | 1996 - 2006 | |
Los Angeles County Bar Association | 1982 - 2006 |
American Bar Association | 1982 - 1990 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
National Institute of Municipal Law Officers (NIMLO) | Municipal Aviation Law - Recent Developments | 1979 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Southwestern Univ SOL | J.D. | 1979 |
Immaculate Heart Coll | BA - Bachelor of Arts | N/A |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
SHEKHTER V. SUNSET CONCRETE & MASONRY | Dismissal of negligence claim reversed |
Ridgley v. Topa Thrift & Loan (1998) 17 Cal.4th 970 | Supreme Court ruled in favor of my client |
FIRST CITY PROPERTIES V. MACADAM | Reversal of sanctions order |
PEOPLE V. WILLS | Reversal in favor of my client |
WILSON V. BRANDON | JUDGMENT FOR DEFENDANT BRANDON |
David Darnell, Appeals Attorney on Aug 12, 2010
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer's work.
Ryan Williams, Litigation Attorney on Aug 11, 2010
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer's work.
Brian McCormack, Business Attorney on Jun 2, 2009
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer's work.
Daniel Callahan, Appeals Attorney on Jun 2, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer's work.
Stephen Blaine, Appeals Attorney on May 19, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work.
Michika Shimabe, Litigation Attorney on May 18, 2009
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer's work.
Sue Park, Litigation Attorney on May 14, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer's work.
David Hayen, Appeals Attorney on May 14, 2009
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer's work. I have worked with Ms. Thomas on several litigated matters. Her legal knowledge and insight were invaluable in reaching a successful conclusion. Highly recommended.
Kristy Schlesinger, Appeals Attorney on May 14, 2009
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer's work.
Kimberly Maynard Carasso, Appeals Attorney on Apr 1, 2009
Relationship: Co-worker
Jill has tremendous analytical abilities and is meticulous in ensuring all relevant issues are addressed. She is an excellent writer and strong advocate for her clients.
Kathleen Dunham, Litigation Attorney on Apr 1, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer's work. She is great on complex issues and a great legal writer.
Javier Vanoordt, Appeals Attorney on Apr 1, 2009
Relationship: Co-worker
Jill has an exceptional level of experience and skill making for an outstanding appellate lawyer
Douglas Carasso, Appeals Attorney on Mar 31, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Jill is an exceptional legal writer and appellate advocate. I endorse this lawyer's work.
Tae Im, Litigation Attorney on Mar 31, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work.
John Hurney, Litigation Attorney on Mar 31, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer's work. She has excellent analytical skills. She is someone you definitely want on your team.
Lisa Borodkin, Appeals Attorney on Mar 31, 2009
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer's work.