How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a car accidents 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 car accidents attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.

How long do car accidents cases in California typically take?

Simple car accidents 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 San Diego?

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 car accidents clients right now?

Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Thomas David Penfield, Car Accidents Attorney in San Diego, California

Over 52 years of legal practice · focused on Car Accidents, Dog Bites, and Education · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratCasey Gerry Schenk Francavilla Blatt & Penfield, LLP

San Diego, CA

Practicing car accidents in San Diego since 1974.

52+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
7: Bar admissions

Practices in

Car Accidents Dog Bites Education General Litigation Motorcycle +7 more →

Are you Thomas David Penfield?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Thomas David Penfield is a partner based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Car Accidents, Dog Bites, and Education. Thomas has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Casey Gerry Schenk Francavilla Blatt & Penfield, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: San Diego, CA
Experience: over 52 years
Known for: Car Accidents · Dog Bites · Education

Handles Car Accidents, Dog Bites, and Education matters from San Diego, CA.
Over 52 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Thomas's practice areas in San Diego

Thomas concentrates on car accidents, dog bites, education, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Car Accidents cases in San Diego, California

Thomas takes car accidents matters in San Diego, 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.

Dog Bites cases in San Diego, California

Thomas takes dog bites matters in San Diego, 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.

Education cases in San Diego, California

Thomas takes education matters in San Diego, 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.

General cases in San Diego, California

Thomas takes general matters in San Diego, 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.

Litigation cases in San Diego, California

Thomas takes litigation matters in San Diego, 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 David Penfield, car accidents attorney serving San Diego

Thomas David Penfield is a lawyer practicing personal injury, accidents, animal attacks and 37 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from United States International University in 1971, and has been licensed for 52 years. Thomas practices at Casey Gerry Schenk Francavilla Blatt & Penfield, LLP in San Diego, CA.

Thomas's approach to car accidents cases

Clients Thomas works with

Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for car accidents, dog bites, and education matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Thomas studied and practices

California Western School of Law
J.D. · 1974
United States International University
B.A. · 1971

Jurisdictions

Thomas's state bar admissions

Hawaii
2010 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1997 · ACTIVE
Nebraska
1990 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
1983 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1982 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1974 · ACTIVE
California
1974 · ACTIVE

Thomas studied at J.D. in California Western School of Law and B.A. in United States International University.

Law school and academic background

Thomas completed J.D. in California Western School of Law and B.A. in United States International University. 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.

Recognition

Thomas's legal honors and published work

Thomas has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Thomas's professional memberships and bar associations

San Diego County Bar Association, Board of Directors
2010-2013), (Chairman: Criminal Justice Committee, 1984 Juvenile Law Committee, 1983-1988) North San Diego County Bar Association (President, Board of Directors, 2009 Member, Board of Directors, 2005-2009 Co-Chairman, Personal Injury Section, 2002 Chairma · membership

Locations

Thomas David Penfield's office in San Diego

Thomas's primary office is at 110 Laurel Street, San Diego, CA, 92101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Casey Gerry Schenk Francavilla Blatt & Penfield, LLP

110 Laurel Street

San Diego, CA 92101

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Thomas David Penfield — 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 car accidents attorneys in San Diego.

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 David Penfield claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Thomas David Penfield — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new car accidents 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 car accidents attorney in San Diego, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many car accidents 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 car accidents practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every car accidents 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 car accidents practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Thomas David Penfield

How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a car accidents 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 car accidents attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do car accidents cases in California typically take?
Simple car accidents 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 San Diego?
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 car accidents 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

Car Accidents attorneys serving San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Thomas handles car accidents matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified car accidents attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Thomas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these car accidents attorneys in San Diego handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.