Thomas Rivera

Intro

Tom is an Associate in Hanson Bridgett’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice and has represented a range of clients, from private individuals to public entities in various civil disputes. Tom also maintains a robust pro bono practice, focusing on housing stability and ensuring low-income individuals receive equitable treatment when confronting legal issues. 
 
Tom joined the firm after working as a Summer Associate during his second year at Berkeley Law. During law school, Tom worked as a law clerk in the Civil Division of the California Department of Justice. He also dedicated his time to protecting individuals and families from losing their homes as a clinical law student at the East Bay Community Law Center’s Housing practice. Later, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Tom volunteered to assist small businesses in navigating the federal Paycheck Protection Program and worked as a legal fellow at Centro Legal de la Raza’s Tenants’ Rights practice.
 
Prior to attending Berkeley Law, Tom drafted, negotiated, and advocated for federal legislation and major domestic policy initiatives as a legislative aide to a United States Senator and as a legislative affairs specialist at the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) in President Barack Obama’s Administration in Washington, D.C.
 
Tom dedicates his personal and professional experience, passion, and sharp critical thinking and advocacy skills to serving his clients and his community as he continues to learn and grow at Hanson Bridgett.

Areas of Focus

Education

Academic Distinction

Admissions and Courts

Role