Thomas John Leary

Thomas John Leary, Business Attorney in Costa Mesa, California

Over 38 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and M&A · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Partner, Corporate & Finance, Capital MarketsatManatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

Costa Mesa, CA

Practicing business in Costa Mesa since 1988.

38+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

Practices in

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Quick answer

Thomas John Leary is a partner, corporate & finance, capital markets based in Costa Mesa, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and M&A. Thomas has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Costa Mesa, CA
Experience
over 38 years
Known for
Business · General · M&A
  • Handles Business, General, and M&A matters from Costa Mesa, CA.
  • Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

About Thomas John Leary: Thomas John Leary is a partner, corporate & finance, capital markets based in Costa Mesa, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and M&A. Thomas has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Thomas's practice areas in Costa Mesa

Thomas concentrates on business, general, and m&a. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Costa Mesa, California

Thomas takes business 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.

General cases in Costa Mesa, California

Thomas takes general 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.

M&A cases in Costa Mesa, California

Thomas takes m&a 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

Thomas John Leary, business attorney serving Costa Mesa

Thomas John Leary is a partner, corporate & finance, capital markets based in Costa Mesa, CA. The practice focuses on Business, General, and M&A. Thomas has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Thomas works from Costa Mesa, California and takes on business matters across the region.

Thomas John Leary is a lawyer practicing capital markets, corporate & finance, mergers and acquisitions and 2 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from University of California, Los Angeles in 1985, and has been licensed for 38 years. Thomas practices at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP in Costa Mesa, CA.

How Thomas handles business matters

Thomas John Leary is a lawyer practicing capital markets, corporate & finance, mergers and acquisitions and 2 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from University of California, Los Angeles in 1985, and has been licensed for 38 years. Thomas practices at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP in Costa Mesa, CA.

Who Thomas represents

Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and m&a matters in Costa Mesa and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Thomas studied and practices

  • UCLA School of Law, Los Angeles, California J.D. 1988 UCLA Law Review

  • University of California, Los Angeles

    B.A. Economics · 1985

Jurisdictions

Thomas's state bar admissions

  • California U.S. Dist

    1988 · ACTIVE

Thomas studied at — in UCLA School of Law, Los Angeles, California J.D. 1988 UCLA Law Review and B.A. Economics in University of California, Los Angeles.

Law school and academic background

Thomas completed — in UCLA School of Law, Los Angeles, California J.D. 1988 UCLA Law Review and B.A. Economics in University of California, Los Angeles. 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.

  • Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Affiliations

Thomas's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Memberships & Activities Admitted to practice in the state of California, U

    membership

  • S

    membership

  • District Court, Central District of California and U

    membership

  • S

    membership

  • Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

    membership

  • Member, Advisory Council, Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, USC Marshall School of Business, 1997 to 2009

    membership

  • Advised Pretend City, The Children's Museum of Orange County, on a pro bono basis in connection with various financing and start-up matters

    membership

Locations

Thomas John Leary's office in Costa Mesa

Thomas's primary office is at 695 Town Center Drive, 14th Floor, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

695 Town Center Drive, 14th Floor

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Thomas John Leary — 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 business 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 John Leary claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Thomas John Leary — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business 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 business attorney in Costa Mesa, California

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business 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 business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Thomas John Leary

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

  • How long do business cases in California typically take?

    Simple business 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 business 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

Business attorneys serving Costa Mesa, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

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

More counsel

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