Thomas draws on decades of litigation and regulatory experience to help financial services clients manage risk and respond to an evolving legal landscape.

Overview

Thomas represents financial institutions and other businesses in financial services litigation, consumer protection matters, data privacy law, and regulatory compliance. His experience includes matters involving consumer lending and servicing, identity theft, fraud, unfair and deceptive practices, credit reporting and other state and federal statutory claims. He also assists clients with regulatory investigations and compliance issues affecting their operations.

As a Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US), Thomas brings specialized knowledge in advising clients on U.S. data privacy compliance and disputes involving the collection, use and disclosure of personal information. He has experience with claims arising under the California Consumer Privacy Act and California privacy laws, as well as emerging issues involving website tracking technologies, cookies, analytics tools and other data collection practices.

Throughout his career, Thomas has managed matters through all stages of litigation in state and federal courts, including high-stakes trials, appeals, and mediations. His experience also includes managing large litigation portfolios for financial institutions, giving him perspective on both the individual disputes clients face and the broader operational considerations that can shape litigation strategy.

Experience

  • Served as outside counsel to major banking institutions in numerous consumer litigation matters.
  • Won a $10 million property dispute for homeowner in Orange County.
  • Closed a $42 million buy-sell transaction of two luxury auto dealerships in Orange County.
  • Served as lead outside counsel for electric vehicle manufacturer on a nationwide regulatory compliance project.

News & Insights

Publications

"A Costly Lesson on the Validity of General Releases and Loan Fees," United Trustees Association Quarterly, Fall 2022.

"Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Clarifies Reporting Duties of a Data Furnisher Under 2020 CARES Act Amendment to the FCRA," United Trustees Association Quarterly, Spring 2023.

Professional & Civic Activities

Professional & Civic Activities

International Association of Privacy Professionals

State Bar of California

Orange County Bar Association

Second Harvest Food Bank Volunteer

Admissions

  • California
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California

Education

UCLA School of Law, J.D., 2000

UCLA, B.A., History, 1996

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