Thomas J. Hutchinson

After having established a five-year law practice in Westlake Village, Mr. Hutchinson became associated with the firm in 1998. He specializes in family law litigation, collaborative family law and mediation. He received his Juris Doctorate degree from Pepperdine University School of Law, graduating cum laude in 1993. In addition to graduating with honors, he was a recipient of the school's Dean's Scholarship and winner of the American Jurisprudence Award in constitutional law, federal and state powers and advanced legal research. He also has a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and philosophy from Western Michigan University, where he graduated cum laude from the Honors College in 1976. Prior to becoming an attorney, Mr. Hutchinson had a successful career in business, encompassing sales, marketing, finance, management and manufacturing. He is a member of the Ventura County Bar Association, past-president of the Ventura County Family Law Bar Association, Collaborative Family Law Professionals of Ventura County and the Jerome H. Berenson Chapter of the American Inns of Court. Mr. Hutchinson is very active in Rotary International and is a member and past-president of The Rotary Club of Ventura.

Education

• •J.D., Pepperdine University School of Law (cum laude, 1993)
• •B.S. Psychology and Philosophy, Western Michigan University (cum laude, Honors College, 1976)

Honors & Awards

• •Avvo Top-Rated Lawyer (2021)
• •Who's Who in Professional Services, Pacific Coast Business Times (2019, 2020, 2021)
• •Best Divorce Lawyers in Ventura, Expertise.com (2021)
• •Distinguished rating (very high rating in both legal ability and ethical standards), Martindale-Hubbell (2020)
• •Top-Rated Lawyer, Avvo.com (2020, 2019, 2018)
• •Julius Gius Fellow, The Julius Gius Memorial Foundation (2014)
• •Wiley W. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Services, State Bar of California (2003)
• •BV rating (high to very high legal ability), Martindale-Hubbell (2003)
• •American Jurisprudence Award, Advanced Legal Research (1993)
• •Dean's Scholarship, Pepperdine University School of Law (1991, 1992)
• •American Jurisprudence Award, Constitution Law - Federal & State Powers (1992)

Professional Memberships

• •Ventura County Family Law Bar Association (President 2006)
• •Family Law section, Los Angeles County Bar Association
• •Family Law Section, California State Bar
• •Collaborative Family Law Professionals, Ventura County
• •Ventura County Bar Association
• •Los Angeles County Bar Association
• •American Inns of Court
• •ProVisors, Westlake Village 7
• •Ventura Chamber of Commerce
• •Rotary Club of Ventura (President 2010-2011)
• •Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity
• •National Rifle Association, Life Member
• •California Rifle & Pistol Association
• •Channel Islands Lodge No. 214, Free & Accepted Masons of California

Presentations

• •Oops, I Did It Again, The Social Spice Podcast (April 16, 2021)
• •Tax Considerations in Divorce, California Society of CPAs (CalCPA) Channel Counties Chapter, Ventura, CA (May 25, 2018)
• •Family Law and You, Ventura High School, Ventura Unified School District, Ventura CA (May 3, 2004)
• •Temporary Support Orders, Permanent Orders, and Negotiated Support Agreements, California Society of CPAs (CalCPA) Channel Counties Chapter, Santa Barbara, CA (September 27, 2002)

"Mr. Hutchinson is one of the very best attorneys who appear in the courtroom. A very extraordinary attorney."

— Hon. John R. Smiley, Judge, Superior Court of California, County of Ventura

"Mr. Hutchinson is experienced, skilled, and highly competent."

— Hon. Rocky Baio, Judge, Superior Court of California, County of Ventura

"Mr. Hutchinson knows what he's doing."

— Charles W. Foster, Esq.

"A very able and experienced family law attorney."

— Marguerite A. Wilson, Esq.

"Thank you all for your good work on my behalf. I want to express my appreciation to all of you. The case outcome for me was frankly better than I expected, and I can't help but think that it was due in large part to your good efforts and professional expertise."

— John S.

"Your expertise allowed me to change my settlement agreement and be more in control of my life moving forward. Absolutely priceless."

— Della S.

"Thomas Hutchinson was a lifesaver during a very stressful divorce. He anticipated what I needed for me and my family's best interests as well as relieved a lot of the anxiety associated with the entire process. A good divorce attorney calmly enters a stressful situation, takes charge, and gets what is fair - Tom did just that."

— Jonathon B.

"Excellent attorneys who got results where others failed."

— Stacy N.

"There are no words that can begin to express my gratitude for all that you have done for me. If it wasn't for your sound advice and counsel, I would not have received the settlement I did."

— Kari L.

"Thomas Hutchinson was a true gentleman and his fee was very accessible. I was very happy with him!"

— Cristina B.