Thomas E. Cabaniss, Bankruptcy Attorney in Richmond, Virginia
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Chapter 11, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratMcGuireWoods LLP
Richmond, VA
Practicing bankruptcy in Richmond since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 6
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Thomas E. Cabaniss?
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Quick answer
Thomas E. Cabaniss is a partner based in Richmond, VA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Chapter 11, and General. Thomas has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McGuireWoods LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Richmond, VA
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Chapter 11 · General
- Handles Bankruptcy, Chapter 11, and General matters from Richmond, VA.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Thomas E. Cabaniss: Thomas E. Cabaniss is a partner based in Richmond, VA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Chapter 11, and General. Thomas has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McGuireWoods LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Thomas E. Cabaniss
Thomas concentrates on bankruptcy, chapter 11, general, real estate, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Chapter 11
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General
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Real Estate
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Zoning
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Bankruptcy cases in Richmond, Virginia
Thomas takes bankruptcy matters in Richmond, Virginia. 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.
Chapter 11 cases in Richmond, Virginia
Thomas takes chapter 11 matters in Richmond, Virginia. 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 Richmond, Virginia
Thomas takes general matters in Richmond, Virginia. 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.
Real Estate cases in Richmond, Virginia
Thomas takes real estate matters in Richmond, Virginia. 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.
Zoning cases in Richmond, Virginia
Thomas takes zoning matters in Richmond, Virginia. 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
About Thomas E. Cabaniss — Over 51 years of Virginia bankruptcy experience
Thomas E. Cabaniss is a partner based in Richmond, VA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Chapter 11, and General. Thomas has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McGuireWoods LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Thomas E. Cabaniss is a lawyer practicing real estate, chapter 11 bankruptcy, land use and 2 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.S. degree from North Carolina State University in 1972, and has been licensed for 51 years. Thomas practices at McGuireWoods LLP in Richmond, VA.
Working with Thomas on a bankruptcy matter
Thomas E. Cabaniss is a lawyer practicing real estate, chapter 11 bankruptcy, land use and 2 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.S. degree from North Carolina State University in 1972, and has been licensed for 51 years. Thomas practices at McGuireWoods LLP in Richmond, VA.
Who Thomas represents
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, chapter 11, and general matters in Richmond and the surrounding Virginia area.
Credentials
Thomas E. Cabaniss's legal education and bar admissions
University of Virginia School of Law
J.D. · 1975
North Carolina State University
B.S. · 1972
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
England & Wales
2010 · ACTIVE
North Carolina
1998 · ACTIVE
North Carolina
1998 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
1979 · ACTIVE
Virginia
1975 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1975 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in University of Virginia School of Law and B.S. in North Carolina State University.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in University of Virginia School of Law and B.S. in North Carolina State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Thomas E. Cabaniss
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 E. Cabaniss's office in Richmond
Thomas's primary office is at Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, VA, 23219-3916. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
McGuireWoods LLP
Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street
Richmond, VA 23219-3916
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Thomas E. Cabaniss — 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 bankruptcy attorneys in Richmond.
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 E. Cabaniss claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Thomas E. Cabaniss — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorney in Richmond, Virginia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Thomas E. Cabaniss
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a bankruptcy 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 bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Virginia typically take?
Simple bankruptcy 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 Richmond?
Thomas is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia 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 bankruptcy 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
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Richmond, Alexandria and Arlington in Virginia
Thomas handles bankruptcy matters throughout Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
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If Thomas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Richmond handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





