Free Consultation: (800) 431-4600Tap to Call This Lawyer
Michael Thornton

Michael Thornton

Founder and Chair, Thornton Law Firm LLP
  • Asbestos & Mesothelioma, Environmental Law, Health Care Law ...
  • Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire
Badges
Claimed Lawyer ProfileSocial Media
Biography

Michael P. Thornton is founder and chair of Thornton Law Firm LLP. A nationally recognized expert on toxic tort litigation, Mr. Thornton graduated from Dartmouth College and Vanderbilt Law School. In the 1970’s he successfully undertook the representation of a number of shipyard and construction workers who had developed asbestos-related diseases. Over the years, the firm has grown to become the largest firm in the Northeast representing victims of asbestos and other toxic materials. The firm has brought justice to workers who contracted cancer and other health issues from exposure to chemicals, defective drugs, and defective products, and to children who have suffered birth defects from chemicals and pesticides to which their parents were exposed. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and other states and local government have sought the firm’s expertise to address damage from threats to the public health. Multi-million dollar recovery from tobacco companies resulted from the firm’s work in these areas. Mike lead the firm to support many charitable causes; the most visible & important project involves cancer research. Mr. Thornton was approached by clinicians and researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital who were interested in studying mesothelioma, a then untreatable and invariably fatal form of asbestos related cancer. After making a multiyear commitment from his own firm, Mr. Thornton helped recruit several other donors. The program, begun in 2002, has made strides in cancer research generally, and has helped to revolutionize the treatment of mesothelioma, leading to longer survival and better quality of life for victims. Mr. Thornton also responded to a call to help establish a place for families of mesothelioma victims to stay, as the financial impact of staying in hotels can be devastating. The Thornton House was opened in 2008 and houses up to 9 families at a time. Mr. Thornton is a member of the Massachusetts, New Hampshire, & Maine bars.

Practice Areas
Asbestos & Mesothelioma
Environmental Law
Health Care Law
Insurance Claims
Bad Faith Insurance, Business Insurance, Disability Insurance, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Motor Vehicle Insurance, Property Insurance
Personal Injury
Animal & Dog Bites, Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Construction Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
Additional Practice Areas
  • Birth Defects From Chemical Exposure
  • Class Action Litigation
  • False Claims Act/Qui Tam
Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Contingent Fees
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Maine
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
Massachusetts
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
New Hampshire
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Founder, Chair
Thornton Law Firm LLP
- Current
Founder, Managing Partner
Thornton Law Firm LLP
-
Education
Vanderbilt University Law School
J.D. (1975) | Law
Vanderbilt University Law School Logo
Dartmouth College
B.A. (1972)
Dartmouth College Logo
Awards
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
Best Lawyers
“Lawyer of the Year” Award Recipient for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs 2016
Best Lawyers
Super Lawyer - Class Action and Mass Torts Attorneys - Massachusetts
Super Lawyer
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
Best Lawyers
New England's 2020 Top Rated Lawyers
ALM Media and Martindale-Hubbell™
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
Best Lawyers
Super Lawyer - Class Action and Mass Torts Attorneys - Massachusetts
Super Lawyers
"Lawyer of the Year" Award Recipient for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs 2019
Best Lawyers
Howard Twiggs Award
American Association for Justice
The Howard Twiggs Award recognizes an AAJ member of at least 10 years standing whose passion, civility, cordiality, and professionalism reflect the high standards set by Howard Twiggs; and whose courtroom advocacy and distinguished service to AAJ have brought honor to the trial bar and the legal profession.
“Lawyer of the Year” Award Recipient for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs 2016
Best Lawyers
Professional Associations
Maine State Bar  # 001969
Member
Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
American Bar Association
Member
Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
American Association for Justice
Member, Founder's Circle
Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Websites & Blogs
Website
Website
Website
Contact & Map
Thornton Law Firm LLP
Main Office
1 Lincoln St. 13th fl.
State Street Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
Toll-Free: (800) 431-4600
Telephone: (617) 720-1333
Fax: (617) 720-2445
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday: Closed (Today)
Sunday: Closed
Notice: Phone coverage 24/7
Thornton Law Firm LLP
California office
9595 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 900
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Telephone: (310) 282-8676
Fax: (310) 388-5316
Monday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed (Today)
Sunday: Closed