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.
Testimonials
“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.
“You were such a help for me during a difficult time. My mom has always spoken truly highly of you and I can definitely tell why.” Candice A.
“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 enter a stressful situation, takes charge, and gets what is fair - Tom did just that. He has a keen eye for detail and looked out for things that I might not have been looking for. I recommend him to anyone facing a family legal crisis.”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.
“I am so very thankful for you and your support during this very difficult season of time. I truly admire you as a man. You exhibit the leadership of a King and the strength of a Warrior mixed with the unique ability to mentor and teach. You have been a Pillar of Strength to a man who truly needed you during a very difficult time of life!” Michael O.
“Thomas Hutchinson was a true gentleman and his fee was very accessible. I was very happy with him!” Cristina B.
“Thank you for the time you spent with me. You went beyond the time allotted to give me
suggestions and good advice. This was all very much appreciated.” Colleen T.
“You have all been wonderful and there isn’t a better, more qualified and strategic team on the planet. Thank you.” Michael S.
“Thanks for your patience and guidance.” Kathy P.
“His team were terrific to work with. I really felt supported and they were thorough, thoughtful, and very patient.” Michael O.
“I think you represented me extremely brilliantly. Thank you for always doing what you say you’ll do and being straight up with me even when I didn’t like what you had to tell me. I appreciate that you made sure everything that was submitted to the court was professional and accurate.” Kathy M.
“I can’t tell you how impressed I am with the way you have handled this divorce. You’ve done it with amazing swiftness, simplicity, and very little hassle. I would like to congratulate you on a job well done.” Dan S.
“I appreciate you ability to be fair, honest, and resolve things quickly.” Audrey S.
“I knew you would be great! Thanks very much.” Deirdre F.
“I appreciate all you have done for me. You are a great lawyer and a really nice person. Thank you!” Ann M.
“I want to thank you for services in this matter. I think that you are competent and that I was well represented and happy that you were with me.” Franklin S.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the great help and support you provided. Thank you for your wonderful service.” Ludivina E.
“I really appreciate all of the effort you put forth in the trial of my case. I thought that your
closing arguments were outstanding - well-organized, compelling and thorough.” Kari G.
Honors & Awards
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), MartindaleHubbell (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)
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)