Thomas Carlton Foster, Real Estate Attorney in Irvine, California
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Real Estate, Tax, and Trusts
PartneratAllen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory And Natsis Llp
Irvine, CA
Practicing real estate in Irvine since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Thomas Carlton Foster is a partner based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on Real Estate, Tax, and Trusts. Thomas has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory And Natsis Llp.
- Based in
- Irvine, CA
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Real Estate · Tax · Trusts
- Handles Real Estate, Tax, and Trusts matters from Irvine, CA.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Thomas Carlton Foster: Thomas Carlton Foster is a partner based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on Real Estate, Tax, and Trusts. Thomas has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory And Natsis Llp.
Areas of practice
Thomas's practice areas in Irvine
Thomas concentrates on real estate, tax, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Real Estate
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Tax
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Trusts
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Real Estate cases in Irvine, California
Thomas takes real estate matters in Irvine, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Irvine, California
Thomas takes tax matters in Irvine, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Irvine, California
Thomas takes trusts matters in Irvine, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.
Biography
Thomas Carlton Foster, real estate attorney serving Irvine
Thomas Carlton Foster is a partner based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on Real Estate, Tax, and Trusts. Thomas has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory And Natsis Llp. Thomas works from Irvine, California and takes on real estate matters across the region.
Mr. Thomas Carlton Foster is a lawyer practicing tax & joint venture, real estate, real estate finance and 1 other area of law. Thomas received a B.S. degree from University of Southern California in 1970, and has been licensed for 51 years. Thomas practices at Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis LLP in Irvine, CA.
Working with Thomas on a real estate matter
Mr. Thomas Carlton Foster is a lawyer practicing tax & joint venture, real estate, real estate finance and 1 other area of law. Thomas received a B.S. degree from University of Southern California in 1970, and has been licensed for 51 years. Thomas practices at Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis LLP in Irvine, CA.
Clients Thomas works with
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for real estate, tax, and trusts matters in Irvine and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Thomas studied and practices
University of Southern California School of Law
J.D. · 1975
University of Southern California
B.S. Accounting · 1970
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
U.S. Tax Court
1977 · ACTIVE
California
1975 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in University of Southern California School of Law and B.S. Accounting in University of Southern California.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in University of Southern California School of Law and B.S. Accounting in University of Southern California. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Thomas Carlton Foster's office in Irvine
Thomas's primary office is at 1900 Main Street, 5th Floor, Irvine, CA, 92614-7321. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory And Natsis Llp
1900 Main Street, 5th Floor
Irvine, CA 92614-7321
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Thomas Carlton Foster — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new real estate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Thomas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Thomas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas'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; Thomas will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a real estate attorney in Irvine, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many real estate 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 Thomas
Thomas discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in real estate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every real estate 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. Thomas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Thomas's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many real estate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Thomas Carlton Foster
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a real estate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Thomas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Thomas offer a free consultation?
Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some real estate attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do real estate cases in California typically take?
Simple real estate 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. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Irvine?
Thomas is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Thomas 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 Thomas?
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. Thomas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Thomas accepting new real estate clients right now?
Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Real Estate attorneys serving Irvine, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Thomas handles real estate matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified real estate attorneys in that community.
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
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