Thomas Shields, Associate Attorney

Over the course of my practice, I have focused on complex family law litigation involving high-conflict custody disputes, domestic violence matters, business valuation issues, fiduciary-duty claims, and high-asset marital dissolutions. My work frequently involves procedurally and factually intensive matters requiring coordinated litigation strategy, expert management, and careful courtroom presentation.

At Boyd Law, I have worked on a broad range of contested family law matters throughout California, including cases involving:

• Move-away and interstate custody disputes;
• Domestic violence restraining order litigation;
• Custody evaluations and expert witness preparation;
• Complex support and property characterization issues;
• Business and financial tracing disputes;
• Trial preparation and evidentiary strategy in high-conflict matters.

I have also successfully handled an appellate matter resulting in favorable outcome before the California Court of Appeal in a family law matter involving relocation. In addition, I have collaborated extensively with attorneys and staff across multiple Boyd Law offices to manage fast-moving litigation, coordinate discovery and trial preparation, and maintain continuity for clients in complex cases.

Before joining Boyd Law, Mr. Shields began his legal career as a full-time pro bono attorney at Legal Aid, where he provided critical support to survivors of domestic violence. His work in that capacity earned him special recognition by the Sonoma County Bar Association for outstanding pro bono contributions to those in crisis—an early testament to his unwavering commitment to client-centered justice.

At Boyd Law, Mr. Shields brings that same dedication, pairing thoughtful legal strategy with empathy. He guides clients through emotionally complex life transitions, advocating vigorously while also fostering clarity and confidence.

BAR ADMISSIONS

California
United States Bankruptcy Court Northern District of California
EDUCATION

UC Law San Francisco (Formerly UC Hastings)

Juris Doctor

Concentration in Civil Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Mediation Clinic

Sonoma State University School of Business and Economics

Bachelor of Arts in Economics

Concentration: Computer Applications

Minors: Computer Science, Communications, Mathematics

HONORS AND AWARDS

Sonoma County Bar Association Pro Bono Special Recognition
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

Sonoma County Bar Association, Member
Bar Association of San Francisco, Member
San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association, Member
Redwood Empire Conflict Resolution Services (RECOURSE), Certified Mediator