Thomas Forbes Nixon, Environmental Attorney in Costa Mesa, California
Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Environmental and Government · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
AttorneyatWoodruff Spradlin And Smart A Professional Corporation
Costa Mesa, CA
Practicing environmental in Costa Mesa since 1984.
- 42+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Thomas Forbes Nixon?
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Quick answer
Thomas Forbes Nixon is an attorney based in Costa Mesa, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental and Government. Thomas has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Woodruff Spradlin And Smart A Professional Corporation. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Costa Mesa, CA
- Experience
- over 42 years
- Known for
- Environmental · Government
- Handles Environmental and Government matters from Costa Mesa, CA.
- Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Thomas Forbes Nixon: Thomas Forbes Nixon is an attorney based in Costa Mesa, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental and Government. Thomas has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Woodruff Spradlin And Smart A Professional Corporation. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Thomas Forbes Nixon
Thomas concentrates on environmental and government. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Environmental cases in Costa Mesa, California
Thomas takes environmental matters in Costa Mesa, 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.
Government cases in Costa Mesa, California
Thomas takes government matters in Costa Mesa, 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
About Thomas Forbes Nixon — Over 42 years of California environmental experience
Thomas Forbes Nixon is an attorney based in Costa Mesa, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental and Government. Thomas has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Woodruff Spradlin And Smart A Professional Corporation. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Thomas Forbes Nixon is a lawyer practicing environmental, public law, government. Thomas received a B.A. degree from University of California at Santa Barbara in 1976, and has been licensed for 42 years. Thomas practices at Woodruff, Spradlin & Smart A Professional Corporation in Costa Mesa, CA.
Working with Thomas on a environmental matter
Thomas Forbes Nixon is a lawyer practicing environmental, public law, government. Thomas received a B.A. degree from University of California at Santa Barbara in 1976, and has been licensed for 42 years. Thomas practices at Woodruff, Spradlin & Smart A Professional Corporation in Costa Mesa, CA.
Clients Thomas works with
Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental and government matters in Costa Mesa and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Thomas Forbes Nixon's legal education and bar admissions
Loyola University of Los Angeles
J.D. · 1984
University of California at Santa Barbara
B.A. · 1976
Jurisdictions
Thomas's state bar admissions
California
1984 · ACTIVE
Thomas studied at J.D. in Loyola University of Los Angeles and B.A. in University of California at Santa Barbara.
Law school and academic background
Thomas completed J.D. in Loyola University of Los Angeles and B.A. in University of California at Santa Barbara. 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
Awards, publications, and recognition of Thomas Forbes Nixon
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 Forbes Nixon's office in Costa Mesa
Thomas's primary office is at 555 Anton Boulevard, Suite 1200, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626-7675. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Woodruff Spradlin And Smart A Professional Corporation
555 Anton Boulevard, Suite 1200
Costa Mesa, CA 92626-7675
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Thomas Forbes Nixon — 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 environmental attorneys in Costa Mesa.
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 Forbes Nixon claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Thomas Forbes Nixon — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new environmental 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 environmental attorney in Costa Mesa, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many environmental 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 environmental practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every environmental 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 environmental practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Thomas Forbes Nixon
How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a environmental 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 environmental attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do environmental cases in California typically take?
Simple environmental 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 Costa Mesa?
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 environmental 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
Environmental attorneys serving Costa Mesa, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Thomas handles environmental matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified environmental attorneys in that community.
- Costa Mesa1,835 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated environmental attorneys in California
If Thomas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these environmental attorneys in Costa Mesa handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





