J. Thomas Richardson, Appellate Attorney in Seattle, Washington
Over 53 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, General, and IP · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratCairncross & Hempelmann, P.S.
Seattle, WA
Practicing appellate in Seattle since 1973.
- 53+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
J. Thomas Richardson is a partner based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Appellate, General, and IP. J. has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cairncross & Hempelmann, P.S.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Seattle, WA
- Experience
- over 53 years
- Known for
- Appellate · General · IP
- Handles Appellate, General, and IP matters from Seattle, WA.
- Over 53 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About J. Thomas Richardson: J. Thomas Richardson is a partner based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Appellate, General, and IP. J. has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cairncross & Hempelmann, P.S.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
J.'s practice areas in Seattle
J. concentrates on appellate, general, ip, litigation, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case J. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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General
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IP
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Litigation
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Zoning
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Real Estate
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Appellate cases in Seattle, Washington
J. takes appellate matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before J. agrees to represent you.
General cases in Seattle, Washington
J. takes general matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before J. agrees to represent you.
IP cases in Seattle, Washington
J. takes ip matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before J. agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Seattle, Washington
J. takes litigation matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before J. agrees to represent you.
Zoning cases in Seattle, Washington
J. takes zoning matters in Seattle, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before J. agrees to represent you.
Biography
J. Thomas Richardson, appellate attorney serving Seattle
J. Thomas Richardson is a partner based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Appellate, General, and IP. J. has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cairncross & Hempelmann, P.S.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. J. works from Seattle, Washington and takes on appellate matters across the region.
J. Thomas Richardson is a lawyer practicing forest practices and products, litigation, appellate and 3 other areas of law. J. received a A.B. degree from Colgate University in 1968, and has been licensed for 53 years. J. practices at Cairncross & Hempelmann, P.S. in Seattle, WA.
Working with J. on a appellate matter
J. Thomas Richardson is a lawyer practicing forest practices and products, litigation, appellate and 3 other areas of law. J. received a A.B. degree from Colgate University in 1968, and has been licensed for 53 years. J. practices at Cairncross & Hempelmann, P.S. in Seattle, WA.
Clients J. works with
J. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, general, and ip matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.
Credentials
Credentials — where J. studied and practices
Yale Law School
J.D. · 1972
Colgate University
A.B. · 1968
Jurisdictions
J.'s state bar admissions
Washington U.S. Dist
1989 · ACTIVE
New York
1973 · ACTIVE
J. studied at J.D. in Yale Law School and A.B. in Colgate University.
Law school and academic background
J. completed J.D. in Yale Law School and A.B. in Colgate University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice J. runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
J.'s legal honors and published work
J. has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
J.'s professional memberships and bar associations
Washington State Bar Association
membership
Locations
J. Thomas Richardson's office in Seattle
J.'s primary office is at 524 2nd Ave., Ste. 500, Seattle, WA, 98104-2323. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Cairncross & Hempelmann, P.S.
524 2nd Ave., Ste. 500
Seattle, WA 98104-2323
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of J. Thomas Richardson — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of J.. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Seattle.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once J. Thomas Richardson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire J. Thomas Richardson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with J. usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
J. charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain J.'s office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; J. will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Seattle, Washington
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for J.
J. discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. J. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
J.'s office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about J. Thomas Richardson
How much does it cost to hire J. for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. J. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does J. offer a free consultation?
J. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain J.'s office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check J.'s current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Washington typically take?
Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. J. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can J. take my case if I'm outside Seattle?
J. is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — J. will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with J.?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. J. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is J. accepting new appellate clients right now?
J.'s intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington
J. handles appellate matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Washington
If J.'s intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Seattle handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.