Shawn Thomas: Civil Litigation Attorney and Trial Lawyer in Los Angeles
In the competitive legal landscape of Los Angeles, few attorneys stand out as much as Shawn Thomas. Known for his sharp litigation skills, extensive trial experience, and commitment to excellence, Thomas has built a career spanning over a decade across some of the most prestigious law firms in the country. Today, as the founder of the Law Office of Shawn P. Thomas, he continues to represent businesses and individuals in a wide range of civil litigation and trial matters.
This article explores his journey, from education to professional accomplishments, highlighting his career path at top law firms such as Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, Glaser Weil, and Sanders Roberts, LLP, before establishing his own practice. We will also examine his bar admissions, organizational memberships, and contributions to the legal profession.
Early Education and Academic Achievements
Brooklyn Law School
Shawn Thomas earned his Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School, graduating magna cum laude in 2008. During his time there, he distinguished himself as a Notes and Comments Editor for the Brooklyn Law Review and was an active member of the Moot Court Honor Society. His academic excellence earned him consistent recognition on the Dean’s List, reflecting both his dedication and his intellectual strength in the study of law.
Undergraduate at UC Santa Barbara
Before pursuing law, Thomas completed his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1999. He also studied English as a minor, a foundation that would later support his persuasive writing skills as a litigator. His undergraduate years sharpened his understanding of government, policy, and communication, setting the stage for his successful legal career.
Professional Journey in Litigation
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Thomas began his career at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP in New York, where he served as a Senior Associate from 2008 to 2016. At Pillsbury, he gained significant experience handling complex commercial litigation, including employment disputes, UCC disputes, warranty claims, and cases involving large industrial and transportation equipment.
His work spanned multiple industries, from aviation and automotive to heavy manufacturing and financial services. Thomas honed his trial skills during this period, managing discovery, drafting substantive motions, conducting witness examinations, and representing clients in state and federal courts. His extensive involvement in arbitration and mediation also gave him a broad perspective on dispute resolution strategies.
Glaser Weil LLP
In 2016, Thomas transitioned to Glaser Weil LLP, a prominent Century City law firm. As an Associate, he further deepened his experience in complex commercial litigation, working on high-stakes matters that required both precision and creativity. His clients ranged from major corporations to individuals involved in disputes spanning employment law, contract law, and internal investigations.
At Glaser Weil, Thomas became known for his ability to guide cases through every stage of litigation, from inception through trial. His attention to detail, combined with strong advocacy skills, made him a trusted representative for clients navigating intricate disputes.
Sanders Roberts, LLP
By 2018, Thomas had earned recognition as a Partner at Sanders Roberts, LLP, a Los Angeles-based firm known for its excellence in litigation and trial practice. Over the course of five years, he successfully represented Fortune 500 companies, startups, high net worth individuals, and large financial institutions.
His cases frequently involved employment disputes, contract litigation, warranty issues, and complex commercial claims. He developed a reputation for defending manufacturers and sellers of heavy equipment, including passenger jets, rail cars, water treatment systems, and passenger automobiles.
In trial and arbitration, Thomas demonstrated the ability to simplify complex legal arguments for judges and juries, securing favorable outcomes for his clients. His leadership at Sanders Roberts reflected his maturity as a litigator and cemented his place among Los Angeles’ respected trial lawyers.
Law Office of Shawn P. Thomas
In August 2023, Thomas launched his own practice, the Law Office of Shawn P. Thomas in Los Angeles. As a self-employed civil litigation attorney and trial lawyer, he now provides personalized representation while drawing upon the wealth of experience accumulated at top-tier firms.
His firm focuses on civil litigation, employment disputes, commercial contracts, and trial defense, continuing his tradition of zealous advocacy for both businesses and individuals. Clients of his practice benefit from his ability to navigate every stage of dispute resolution—pleadings, discovery, motions, trial, arbitration, and appeal.
Practice Philosophy and Litigation Style
Comprehensive Representation
Shawn Thomas is known for guiding clients through the entire litigation lifecycle. From the filing of initial claims to appeals, he ensures that no detail is overlooked. His strategic approach balances aggressive advocacy with thoughtful negotiation, giving clients multiple paths toward resolution.
Trial and Arbitration Expertise
Few attorneys in Los Angeles bring as much direct trial and arbitration experience as Thomas. He has first-chaired and second-chaired trials in California state courts and has represented clients in proceedings before AAA, ICDR, JAMS, ICC, and FINRA arbitration panels. His national practice also extends to New York State and federal courts, making him uniquely versatile.
Client Representation Across Industries
Thomas has represented an impressive range of industries, including:
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Aerospace and Aviation: passenger jets and related equipment.
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Transportation: rail cars, automobiles, and automotive components.
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Industrial Systems: large-scale water treatment equipment and heavy machinery.
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Financial Institutions and Startups: employment and contractual disputes.
Admissions and Professional Organizations
Bar Admissions
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California
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New York
This dual admission allows Thomas to represent clients across both coasts, reflecting his broad practice and national reputation.
Professional Memberships
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Los Angeles County Bar Association (member since 2016).
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Association of the Bar of the City of New York (member since 2008).
These memberships highlight his ongoing engagement with the legal community and his commitment to professional development.
Career Legacy and Recognition
Building a Reputation in Los Angeles
From his early days in New York to his current practice in Los Angeles, Shawn Thomas has built a career defined by dedication, skill, and results. His clients value not only his courtroom expertise but also his ability to explain complex legal matters in straightforward terms.
Trusted Trial Lawyer
Thomas’ record of successfully defending municipalities, corporations, and individuals in high-profile litigation underscores his role as a trusted trial lawyer. His ability to balance trial preparation with practical settlement strategies demonstrates his versatility as a civil litigator.
Conclusion
Shawn Thomas, Esq., stands as an accomplished civil litigation attorney and trial lawyer in Los Angeles. With over 15 years of experience across top law firms and now as the founder of the Law Office of Shawn P. Thomas, he brings unmatched dedication to his clients. His education at Brooklyn Law School and UC Santa Barbara, combined with his bar admissions in New York and California, provide a strong foundation for his thriving practice.
Whether representing Fortune 500 companies, startups, or individuals, Thomas consistently delivers strategic advocacy and effective trial representation. His journey from Pillsbury to Glaser Weil, Sanders Roberts, and now his own law office, reflects a career committed to excellence and impact in the legal profession.
