Thomas D Johnston, Appellate Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 49 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, International, and IP · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatShearman & Sterling LLP
Washington, DC
Practicing appellate in Washington since 1977.
- 49+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Thomas D Johnston?
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Quick answer
Thomas D Johnston is a member based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, International, and IP. Thomas has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shearman & Sterling LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- over 49 years
- Known for
- Appellate · International · IP
- Handles Appellate, International, and IP matters from Washington, DC.
- Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Thomas D Johnston: Thomas D Johnston is a member based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, International, and IP. Thomas has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shearman & Sterling LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Thomas takes on
Thomas concentrates on appellate, international, ip, litigation, and tax litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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International
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IP
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Litigation
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Tax Litigation
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Appellate cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Thomas takes appellate matters in Washington, District of Columbia. 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.
International cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Thomas takes international matters in Washington, District of Columbia. 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.
IP cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Thomas takes ip matters in Washington, District of Columbia. 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.
Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Thomas takes litigation matters in Washington, District of Columbia. 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 Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Thomas takes tax litigation matters in Washington, District of Columbia. 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
Meet Thomas D Johnston — appellate lawyer in Washington
Thomas D Johnston is a member based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Appellate, International, and IP. Thomas has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shearman & Sterling LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Thomas D Johnston is a lawyer practicing international law, intellectual property, tax appeals and 1 other area of law. Thomas received a B.S. degree from University of Pennsylvania in 1973, and has been licensed for 49 years. Thomas practices at Shearman & Sterling LLP in Washington, DC and 1 other location.
How Thomas handles appellate matters
Thomas D Johnston is a lawyer practicing international law, intellectual property, tax appeals and 1 other area of law. Thomas received a B.S. degree from University of Pennsylvania in 1973, and has been licensed for 49 years. Thomas practices at Shearman & Sterling LLP in Washington, DC and 1 other location.
The kind of cases Thomas takes
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, international, and ip matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Michigan
J.D. · 1976
University of Pennsylvania
B.S. · 1973
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
1977 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in University of Michigan and B.S. in University of Pennsylvania.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in University of Michigan and B.S. in University of Pennsylvania. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Thomas has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Thomas D Johnston's office in Washington
Thomas's primary office is at 401 9th St., NW, Washington, DC, 20004. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Thomas D Johnston — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Thomas. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Washington.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Thomas D Johnston claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Thomas D Johnston — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate 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 appellate attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
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 Thomas
Thomas 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. 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 appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Thomas D Johnston
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a appellate 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 appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in District of Columbia 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. 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 Washington?
Thomas is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia 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 appellate 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
Appellate attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
Thomas handles appellate matters throughout District of Columbia. 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 District of Columbia
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- FA
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