I am pleased to announce that I once again have been recognized by both Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America in Appellate Law. I also recently received word that I again have been recognized as a “Legal Elite” in Appellate Law by Virginia Business Magazine. These recognitions are true honors. I am grateful for each of them. Because they result from voting by my peers, they are especially meaningful to me.
In early 2024 I became so busy with my appellate practice that I literally was working at full capacity. There was no more of “me” to go around. My law practice seemingly took over my life. By necessity I had to turn down a number of potential new clients and refer them to other appellate attorneys for representation. Doing so was difficult for me. Since founding this law practice in March 2014, I have worked hard to attract new appellate clients and represent them well.
By mid-year my workload returned to a more manageable level. Yet the experience of the previous months led me to consider the future of my legal career. At 68 years old and with four grandchildren divided evenly between the east and west coasts, it is important to me to know each grandchild and be known by them. Both my wife and I are cancer survivors. Recognition of one’s mortality is a fact of life brought home to all who contract cancer. As a solo appellate law practitioner, procedural deadlines drive my professional work and my workload can dominate my time for extended periods. These and other personal and family-related considerations led me to the conclusion that the time has come to begin to wind down my appellate law practice.
So I am winding it down. The first step is the hardest and I’ve taken it. I am at peace with my decision. With my current caseload and consulting relationships it will take most if not all of 2025 to complete the process. I still have a number of oral arguments to give and briefs or petitions yet to write. When all is said and done I know that I will miss my appellate law practice. With encouragement, client referrals and the assistance of legal colleagues, I grew this practice “from the ground up.” Although I tend to be self-effacing about my legal acumen, I know that I have given my all and well-served my appellate clients and the attorneys with whom I have consulted over the years. I am honored by the recognitions received and appreciate the appellate law-related leadership positions entrusted to me by the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and the Virginia Bar Association.
Although I am working towards the completion of my appellate law practice, I have no plans to be idle. My legal career began over forty-three years ago. It has been challenging and rewarding and I am not finished with it. Yet I do intend to change direction in a way that will allow me to strike a needed balance between my professional work and my personal life.
As of January 1, 2025, I will join the well-respected mediation firm, Juridical Solutions (https://juridicalsolutions.com/), as an independent contractor. I currently hold two Virginia mediation certifications and I look forward to the new challenges and experiences that will come my way in serving as a neutral. If I may be of service to you in this new capacity, I will be most pleased to do so.
I give special thanks to all of the attorneys and clients with whom I have worked to make my appellate law practice a success. As to my late parents, I acknowledge that I “stand on their shoulders” as a result of the support, encouragement and sacrifices that they made for me to get my education. To my wife, Kimberly, I appreciate so very much your support and the loving home that we share together. Most important of all, I thank my Lord for all of the past and present blessings that I enjoy through grace.
Norman A. Thomas
December 16, 2024