Atty. Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders

Atty. Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders

Tom Saunders' practice focuses on appellate and government and public policy litigation with a particular emphasis on intellectual property. He has extensive experience representing clients in patent and complex civil cases and has built a reputation as a leading advocate in high-stakes appellate litigation.

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Appellate Practice Attorney · Serving Washington, DC

Profile Summary

About Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders at a Glance

Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders is a appellate attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP. Admitted to practice in District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar and New York, New York State Bar Association. Educated at Yale University (J.D., 2004) and Harvard University (—, 2000). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026). Serves clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders

  • Tom Saunders' practice focuses on appellate and government and public policy litigation with a particular emphasis on intellectual property
  • He has extensive experience representing clients in patent and complex civil cases and has built a reputation as a leading advocate in high-stakes appellate litigation
  • He has argued and won two cases, involving patents and government contracts, in the US Supreme Court, where he previously clerked for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
  • He has also argued and won cases in multiple courts of appeals, including numerous victories in the Federal Circuit
  • He has worked on more than 70 Federal Circuit cases and led the merits briefing in 6 Supreme Court cases

Practice Areas Explained

Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Washington.

Appellate Practice in Washington

Appellate attorneys for civil and criminal appeals at state and federal court.

Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders is one of 85,572 appellate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse appellate attorneys in District of Columbia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Washington

Practicing law in District of Columbia. Legal matters in District of Columbia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate District of Columbia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in District of Columbia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in District of Columbia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Washington Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Washington-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders

Where is Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders's law office located?
Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders's law practice is located in Washington, District of Columbia. The firm is Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders handle?
Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders focuses on appellate. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in District of Columbia.
Where did Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders go to law school?
Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders earned their education at (J.D., 2004); (—, 2000).
How can I contact Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders for a consultation?
You can contact Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders received?
Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Washington Choose Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders

Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders's practice in the field of appellate.

Multi-State Bar Admission

Licensed in District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar and New York, New York State Bar Association, Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Focused Appellate Practice

Concentrating on appellate means Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.

Local Presence in Washington

A Washington-based practice means Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

Search Reference

How People Find Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Washington commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders.

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If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders directly.

Thomas G. "Tom" Saunders's Practice Areas & Specializations

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
Yale University
- 2004
—
Harvard University
- 2000

Awards & Professional Honors

Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice
- 2026

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar
New York, New York State Bar Association

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