Thomas Law Group and its attorneys are engaged and active in their communities.
We are proud to be considered community leaders and genuinely enjoy giving back. Here are just some of the many organizations where Thomas Law Group attorneys regularly volunteer their time and resources.
Honoring Mike Remy, Mentor and Friend
Michael H. Remy Scholarship, UC Davis School of Law—In memory of our dear friend and mentor, Michael H. Remy, who died in 2003, Thomas Law Group endowed a scholarship at UC Davis School of Law. Annually and in perpetuity, a student in need of financial assistance will be given a $5,000.00 scholarship.
Honoring Former Mayor Joe Serna, Jr.
Joe Serna, Jr. Prize for Civic Excellence Award administered by Music on a Mission Foundation, annually and awards to an individual or entity in our community a prize of $7,500.00 to recognize that entity’s or individual’s contribution to the Sacramento region. Past recipients include Ayesha Harris, Yisrael Family Farms, Washington Neighborhood Center, and others. The prize is endowed by the Winn Foundation, AKT Developments, and Thomas Law Group.
Assisting a Neighborhood in Need of an Advocate
Thomas Law Group attorneys volunteered their services for the Avondale Glen Elder Neighborhood Association, representing the working-class community in its fight against a proposal to store 7.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas beneath approximately 700 homes in South Sacramento. The environmental documents for the project revealed a significant and unavoidable risk of leakage. Thomas Law Group attorneys partnered with the Legal Services of Northern California to advocate on behalf of the community. The California Public Utilities Commission ultimately rejected the storage plan in a 3-2 vote.
Music For the Good of Our Community
Music on a Mission Foundation was established to provide support to charitable organizations in the Greater Sacramento area that have charitable goals, objectives and programs in support of the arts, education, justice and the provision of transitional housing for needy families and individuals. Several Thomas Law Group attorneys serve on its Board of Directors.
Building a Hospice for the Homeless
Joshua’s House is an initiative of the Health Communications Research Institute. Lead by Dr. Marlene von Friederichs-Fitzwater, and in collaboration with Goodwill Industries, Joshua’s House in in the process of establish the first hospice care facility for the terminally ill homeless on the west coast. Thomas Law Groups serves as attorneys and counselors to Joshua’s House in this effort.
Creating Youth Programs in Sacramento
Washington Neighborhood Center, originally founded by the Fremont Presbyterian Church as an outreach program in 1952, has provided residents of the Alkali Flat and Washington neighborhoods a wide complement of programs and services for over 50 years. Offering programs in the arts, education, recreational activities, health, culture and an overall emphasis on the development of youth, the Center and its programs have served as a refuge for many who reside in a troubled environment. Thomas Law Group serves as attorneys and counselors to the Center.
Decades of Pro Bono Service to Sacramento’s Loaves and Fishes
Tina Thomas has been advocating on behalf of Loaves and Fishes pro bono for decades. When Loaves and Fishes was hit with potentially devastating allegations of permit violations by the City of Sacramento in 1997, Tina’s representation resulted in a settlement favorable to the organization. Tina considers this to be one of her greatest triumphs. Recently, Thomas Law Group helped Loaves and Fishes obtain the permits necessary to relocate its Friendship Park, which serves as a gathering place for as many as 700 homeless individuals each day. The new park will feature gazebos, restrooms and office buildings, and will provide clients with easier access to the agency’s many services.
Racing for Justice, Year after Year
Thomas Law Group annually sponsors the Legal Services of Norther California’s Race for Justice Valentine Run/Walk. Legal Services of Northern California provides quality legal services to empower the poor to identify and defeat the causes and effects of poverty.
In 2016, Thomas Law Group was named the “Best Dressed” team at the event.
Tina Thomas Celebrated as Cottage Housing’s 2012 Beacon of Hope Honoree
Cottage Housing, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people transition from homelessness to self-sustaining individuals honored Tina Thomas at its 3rd Annual Beacon of Hope celebration. This award recognizes Tina’s 30 years of tenacious pro bono advocacy for a wide array of homeless services programs including Cottage Housing, Loaves & Fishes, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, Francis House, WEAVE, Wind Youth Services, and Union Gospel Mission.
Giving Back through Public Service
In addition to assisting local nonprofits, Thomas Law Group attorneys strive to improve their communities through public service. Of Counsel Nick Avdis focuses his service on the Natomas area of Sacramento. Nick’s public service includes serving on the Board of Trustees of Reclamation District 1000, which provides flood protection and public safety to Natomas area residents, businesses, schools, and agriculture, and being a member of the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency and an alternate member of the Sacramento Transportation Authority. In addition, Nick serves on the Sacramento County Natomas Community Planning Advisory Council as its Chair. He is also the President of the Valley View Acres Community Association and Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation in Sacramento.