About J. Nelson
J. Nelson Thomas is a founding partner at Thomas & Solomon LLP, located in Rochester, New York. With over two decades of experience in employment law, he has built a robust practice focused on representing clients in complex class-action lawsuits, whistleblower cases, and individual workplace disputes. His expertise extends to negotiating severance packages and advising clients on various contractual issues, to protect their rights in every aspect of employment. Mr. Thomas earned his Juris Doctor from the prestigious University of Virginia School of Law in 1993. Prior to that, he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Emory University in 1990. His academic achievements laid a strong foundation for his legal career.
Admitted to the New York State Bar in 1994, he has also gained admission to practice in Pennsylvania and Colorado. This lets the attorney serve clients across multiple jurisdictions. Throughout his career, Mr. Thomas has achieved significant settlements for his clients, underscoring his effectiveness in the field. Notably, in 2017, he secured the 22nd largest settlement in the country and the fifth largest in New York State. Over his career, the total settlements he has obtained exceed $200 million. This remarkable track record highlights his commitment to advocating for the rights of employees and ensuring justice in the workplace. Recognition for his work has been extensive.
Mr. Thomas has been named a New York Super Lawyer since 2011, evidence of his legal acumen and dedication. He also holds an AV Martindale-Hubbell rating, reflecting his high ethical standing in the legal community. Beyond his practice, he serves as an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association and is a certified Federal Court mediator with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York. His involvement in alternative dispute resolution showcases his commitment to finding effective solutions for his clients. In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Thomas has contributed to legal education as a faculty member at the Law Education Institute.
He has led discussions on important topics such as deposition techniques and the impact of social media on labor and employment law. Active in several professional associations, he is a member of the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, and the Monroe County Bar Association. His contributions to the legal field have been recognized with the Special Service Award by the judges of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York in 1999, as well as the 40 Under 40 Award by the Rochester Business Journal in 2002. Fluent in English and conversational Spanish, Mr. Thomas is well-equipped to serve clients.
