Thomas Andrew Balerud

Thomas Andrew Balerud

also known as Tom

4.8
Rating: 9.6

Licensed for 35 years

Car accident Lawyer at Tacoma, WA
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Animal & Dog Bites ... +5 more

417 S. G Street, Tacoma, WA

About Thomas

Biography

Practice Areas

8

Practice Areas

Car Accident 30%

We have extensive experience assisting auto accident victims, approaching each client’s matter with compassion and a commitment to reaching a favorable resolution. We have expertise dealing with insurance companies as well.

36 years

30%
Personal Injury 30%

including cases arising from automobile and railroad accidents, sexual abuse, and police brutality. People injured or harmed by the negligence or wrongful act of another are entitled to seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages.

36 years

30%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 35 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1990

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Thomas A. Balerud

417 S. G Street, Tacoma, WA, 98405-4711

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Thomas Andrew Balerud's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

9 Client Reviews

5 star (7) 4 star (2)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by J MARTIN | May 23, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Tom's the BEST period!

I have retained Tom for the better part of 2 decades. I've referred dozens of clients and friends all with positive reviews about him. He is as solid as the come. He does not item his mouth for no reason. If you want to win your case hire him.

Posted by anonymous | September 10, 2014

An Excellent Attorney!

Mr. Balerud was very helpful to me in an extremely difficult situation. I had been arrested for DUI, and since I had only ever gotten one speeding almost 20 years ago, I didn't know what to do! He met with me for a free one hour consultation, and discussed everything (to the last detail) that happene...d that day. He really listened to me, even taking notes, then went over all my options from best case scenario to worst. He was quick to meet me for my first court appearance, so I really felt like I wasn't alone, I had someone on my side. It can be a scary experience if you haven't been there before! Tom walked me through what to expect at each court appearance, advised me what I needed to do legally to fulfill court requirements, and helped me locate the assessment centers, and where to take my required classes. He was a great support, even offering words of encouragement as I cried! He was able to get my DUI charge changed to negligent driving, and I was able to save my self-respect and my job. If someone needs an attorney that is extremely knowledgeable, experienced, friendly, and respectful I highly recommend Thomas Balerud. I will definitely be recommending him to my friends and family!

Posted by Kennedy | December 14, 2011

Insurance Nightmare

I was involved in an automobile accident in Tacoma a little over 2 years ago. The accident was not my fault so I didn't think I needed an attorney. When the insurance company contacted me they were requesting my insurance information to file a claim against me! I tried to explain to them that it w...as their clients responsibility and by the time I was done I was questioning the situation myself. My car and body were banged up pretty good. I contacted Tom and explained the situation. I retained him and that was the last I heard from the insurance company. By the time this ordeal was done, I was compensated for my injuries and my car was repaired just as good as new!

Posted by Charles | May 14, 2010

Lawyer or Tiger?

I was fasly accussed of a horible sex crime and although I was innocent the allegations brought extreme shame to me and my family. I met with Tom and was not sure what he or anyone else would believe so I was a bit nervous. Tom heard my story and vowed to fight for me because he said he believed in m...e. Although he is not the cheapest in town I also know that you pay for what you get. I walked! And because of Tom I now hold my head high again.

Posted by anonymous | November 13, 2009

Great attorney

Many years ago, Tom defended me in a case that if convicted, my life would have been over. I would have lost my job and would have done serious jail time. I was innocent and it was my word against a crazy persons story. Tom was able to point out the inconsistencies and fallacies in the state's arg...ument and I was found innocent. I thank God that the truth prevailed.

See All Client Reviews

Thomas Andrew Balerud's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Thomas
Robert L. Sears headshot
Robert Sears

Personal injury lawyer | Jan 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse Tom! Tom brings great energy and fights for his clients throughout for the best results."

Dennis Edward Schroader JR headshot
Dennis Schroader

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Tom is a top notch lawyer in the area of criminal defense. I have had the privilege of working with him a bit on a couple of matters, and have always been impressed with his work."

David Kennedy Barrett headshot
David Barrett

Unknown lawyer | Aug 21

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Mr. Balerud and have been opposing counsel with him in the past. He is a smart, dedicated professional. Tom's also a very nice guy too!"

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Eric J Camm headshot
Eric Camm

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 27

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Tom is an excellent lawyer and compelling advocate for his clients. I began my career working for Tom and learned a great deal watching him argue on behalf of those he represented."

Jeffrey R Caffee headshot
Jeffrey Caffee

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tom Balerud is a top-notch criminal defense attorney who can be trusted to work hard on your case."

Kent W Underwood headshot
Kent Underwood

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Smart! Quick! Bold! Efffective! In the 15 years that I have known Tom these are but a few of his oustanding qualities he has shown. I strongly recommend him."

Scott M Moriarity headshot
Scott Moriarity

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Tom and I have worked many case together through out the years. He is by far one of the best lawyers I've ever worked with."

Kenneth W Blanford headshot
Kenneth Blanford

Personal injury lawyer | Mar 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Great attorney, that always comes up with new ideas in the representation of his clients."

Nicholas George headshot
Nicholas George

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Thomas Balerud, a Tacoma, Washington criminal defense attorney for twenty years. We were classmates at the University of Puget Sound Law School. Since then, both of us have practiced in Tacoma. As a result, I have had the opportunity to assess his competence as an attorney first hand. On many occasions, I have observed Mr. Balerud in court during pretrial and trial sessions. He exhibits excellent communication skills and relates well to juries. Tom Balerud engages in a great deal of preparation for court appearances. His legal arguments are thorough yet succinct. He anticipates counter-arguments and judicial scrutiny well. Tom Balerud is well above the vast majority of his colleagues in overall competence. Mr. Balerud never fails to improve his skills. He is conscientious and willing to take difficult cases. Accordingly, he deserves a superb rating."

James Edmund Oliver JR headshot
James Oliver

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Balerud is not only an excellent attorney, he is an institution in Pierce County courts. I highly recommend this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Robert L. Sears headshot
Robert Sears

Personal injury lawyer

Sergio Armijo headshot
Sergio Armijo

Immigration lawyer

Dennis Edward Schroader JR headshot
Dennis Schroader

Criminal defense lawyer

Martin J.H. Duenhoelter headshot
Martin Duenhoelter

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

Nicholas George headshot
Nicholas George

DUI and DWI lawyer

Scott M Moriarity headshot
Scott Moriarity

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.6 (Superb)

Honors

2016

AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2005

Mentor Recognition Award,

1998

YMCA Mock Trial Service Recognition Award,

1989

Negotiation Award,

Work Experience

1991 - Present

Owner, Law Office of Thomas A. Balerud

Associations

2011 - Present

Quinault Tribal Bar Association

Member

2008 - Present

Nisqually Tribal Bar Association

Member

2005 - Present

Eastern District of Washinton Federal Court

Member

2003 - Present

Puyallup Tribal Court

Member

1995 - Present

U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit

Member

1991 - Present

Western District of Washington Federal Court

Member

2007 - 2010

Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association

Trustee

Sample of Legal Cases

$150,000 - Award against Pierce County Sheriff's Department

$150,000

$1.2 Million - Sexual Harassment

$1.2 Million Mediation

$225,000 - Trucking Accident

$225,000

$280,000 T-Bone Motor Vehicle Accident

$280,000

Medical Marijuana Acquittal

Not guilty

$275,000 - Head-on Motor Vehicle Accident

$275,000

Sexual Harassment

Confidential

See More Legal Cases

Education

1989

Seattle University School of Law

Juris Doctorate

1982

Pacific Lutheran University

Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2001

Law Day

Primer on our legal system

1993

Church Forum

Death Penalty Practice in Washington State

1991

Lions Conference

Efficacy of Death Penalty as Deterrence in Washington State

Publications

2023

1998

Washington Law & Politics The Joys of Litigation Lawsuits of the Year

Languages

English

Spanish

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
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  • 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