Thomas Shields

As a family law attorney for Wine Country Family Law, Thomas helps families find a more stable place after dealing with uncertainty, by listening, coaching, advising, negotiating, and – when necessary – litigating. With a love for problem solving, his favorite part of being an attorney is helping clients find creative solutions to serious problems. As a certified mediator and skilled negotiator, he advocates rigorously for his clients, helping them get what they deserve.

Growing up, Thomas would sit at the dinner table and argue with his brother and sister about anything and everything. The dictionary even made regular dinnertime appearances to settle their arguments. His father—also an attorney—was there to support and encourage their debates. Being the middle child, Thomas frequently switched roles between argument maker and mediator during these heated debates with his brothers. Much like his father, Thomas likes to approach legal questions with an open and determined mind.

Thomas graduated from Sonoma State University in 2006 with Bachelors of Arts in Economics with a concentration in Computer Applications, with minors in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Communications. While studying full time at Sonoma State University he learned to solve a Rubik’s Cube and worked three jobs: teacher’s assistant, an associate at an electronics store, and tutor in statistics. In 2006, he moved to Shanghai, China for a year and taught English to elementary school kids. Before law school, he worked as a lifeguard at Camp Mendocino for the San Francisco Boys and Girls Club. He went on to get his J.D. from UC Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco, graduating in 2011 with a concentration in Civil Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution.

As a firm believer that we are here to help other people, Thomas has represented hundreds of clients from diverse backgrounds, including adults and minors of various gender expressions, age, mental or physical ability, ethnicity, income bracket, sexual orientation, injury, medical condition, and/or primary language. He has significant courtroom experience helping survivors of domestic violence obtain restraining orders, serving as a fierce advocate who crafts strong arguments. He lives for those moments when clients begin to realize the full power of the law.

Thomas handles cases in a patient, caring, and professional manner. Thomas’ broad background and demonstrated commitment to diversity helps him relate to his clients and understand what they are going through. He knows that clients want to be treated as more than just a name in a file. They want to be heard, kept informed, and receive vigorous, skilled representation. He understands the importance of respecting clients’ emotional needs and delivering excellent service to his clients.

A few lesser-known facts about Thomas are that he worked a summer fundraising for the Human Rights Campaign in San Francisco, and that he worked in the slots department at a casino. One of his favorite life-changing experiences was summiting Mt. Shasta over the 2015 summer solstice. In his free time, Thomas enjoys volunteering on his friend’s organic farm, skiing weekends in Tahoe, cooking gourmet meals, and playing challenging strategy board games.

As for his favorites? His favorite sports teams are the San Francisco Giants and Golden State Warriors, his favorite book is Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, his favorite TV show is Star Trek, and his favorite movie is American Beauty.

What Working With Our Team Is Like

If you are a new potential client, you will first talk to our intake team to determine if your legal issue is something our firm can help with. From there, you will book an initial consultation and pay your consultation fee. If you are a current client, you will be connected to your paralegal to discuss next steps or you can request our Legal Case Administrator to schedule an appointment with your attorney.

For the most part, you will work directly with your attorney. Our goal is to discuss your unique situation, discover solutions moving forward, and end your first meeting feeling more at ease than when you started.

Our fabulous paralegals will help you with any extra forms or other non-legal questions. As for billing and your first point of contact, you’ll be greeted by our friendly Legal Case Administrator.