Thomas D. Phelps

Banking and Finance Law

5.0 (1 reviews)

Costa Mesa, California

61+ years experience

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP

Updated: Jan 04, 2026

Contact Information

714-371-2500

https://www.manatt.com/Thomas-D-Phelps

695 Town Center Drive, 14th Floor, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

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Bio

Tom Phelps is a renowned banking attorney who has worked with scores of financial institutions throughout the country. As a founding partner in the firm, he boasts a long and distinguished career serving banking, thrift and nonbank financial institutions.He is active in banking industry groups, including the California Bankers Association, where he previously served on the State Government Relations Committee and the Federal Government Relations Committee.Tom has been a featured speaker at numerous seminars on law and banking and is frequently quoted in banking industry publications. Tom Phelps is a renowned banking attorney who has worked with scores of financial institutions throughout the country. As a founding partner in the firm, he boasts a long and distinguished career serving banking, thrift and nonbank financial institutions.He is active in banking industry groups, including the California Bankers Association, where he previously served on the State Government Relations Committee and the Federal Government Relations Committee.Tom has been a featured speaker at numerous seminars on law and banking and is frequently quoted in banking industry publications. Tom Phelps is a renowned banking attorney who has worked with scores of financial institutions throughout the country. As a founding partner in the firm, he boasts a long and distinguished career serving banking, thrift and nonbank financial institutions. He is active in banking industry groups, including the California Bankers Association, where he previously served on the State Government Relations Committee and the Federal Government Relations Committee. Tom has been a featured speaker at numerous seminars on law and banking and is frequently quoted in banking industry publications.

Local Legal Snapshot

Jurisdiction

California

State Capital

Sacramento

Highest Court

California Supreme Court

Bar Association

State Bar of California

Typical Consultation

$150-$300

Typical Hourly Range

$250-$450/hr

Fee Model Notes

Hourly or flat-fee billing is common.

Estimates vary by market, complexity, urgency, and attorney experience.

Practice Areas

Banking and Finance Law

Awards & Recognition

Lawyer of the Year: Banking and Finance Law, Orange County (2012)
Recognized: Banking and Finance Law
Practice Area: Financial Services Regulation Law
Special Focus: Mergers & Acquisitions
Special Focus: Regulatory
Recipient of the California Bankers Association’s 2014 Inaugural Chairman’s Award
Recipient of the Anti-Defamation League’s 2011 Marcus Kaufman Jurisprudence Award
Recipient of the California Bankers Association’s 1999 Robert Frandzel Award
Recipient of the City of Hope’s Professions and Finance Associates’ 1992 Award of Hope

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 1995

Education

The George Washington University, J.D., graduated 1964

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Reviews

Charles Kim

3 months ago

A Master of Banking Law and a True Partner

When our regional bank faced a complex regulatory examination with potential enforcement implications, we turned to Tom Phelps. His 61 years of experience, particularly in financial services regulation, was immediately evident. He didn't just recite the law; he provided strategic counsel rooted in a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape, which he has helped shape over his distinguished career. Tom guided our leadership and compliance team with a steady hand, anticipating the agency's concerns and crafting a proactive, collaborative response. The matter was resolved favorably without any enforcement action, a testament to his skill. His recognition as Lawyer of the Year in Banking and Finance Law is well-deserved. More than his expertise, Tom operates with a rare blend of gravitas and genuine partnership. For any financial institution navigating high-stakes regulatory challenges, Tom Phelps at Manatt is an invaluable resource.