Michael P. Thornton

For nearly half a century, Michael P. Thornton has fought to bring forth justice for those who have been injured due to exposure to harmful chemical products and asbestos without any warning of the same. The managing attorney and founder of the Thornton Law Firm LLP in Boston, Massachusetts, he serves clients nationwide in matters pertaining to toxic substance and occupational disease claims, toxic tort and environmental litigation, product liability, personal injury, pharmaceutical drug and medical device defects, and mesothelioma and asbestos claims. In addition, he also handles construction accidents, workplace accidents, class actions and birth defects linked to harmful chemicals.

After serving as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps for two years, Mr. Thornton looked for another way to help his fellow Americans and found his desired avenue in law, enrolling at the Vanderbilt Law School. He received his Juris Doctor in 1975 and, in the same year, obtained his license to practice in New Hampshire. Later, after becoming licensed to practice in Maine and Massachusetts, he also received admission to practice before the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, the United States District Court for the District of Maine and the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire. Prior to joining law school, he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 1972 from Dartmouth College.

Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Thornton has gained the adulation of his peers for his dedication to getting his clients the relief they seek and providing comfort and care throughout the arduous legal process. His commitment has earned him myriad awards, including being awarded the Howard Twiggs Award by the American Association for Justice (AAJ) and being recognized by Best Lawyers as Lawyer of the Year on numerous occasions for his work in class actions and mass torts. Additionally, he is peer-review rated AV Preeminent* through Martindale-Hubbell and holds an impressive “Superb” rating on Avvo. Vastly knowledgeable, the Massachusetts state government sought his help – and his firm – in addressing threats to public health, which resulted in a multimillion-dollar recovery from tobacco companies.

Within his legal community, Mr. Thornton serves as a pillar of leadership and stays actively involved in legal organizations such as the AAJ, the Massachusetts Bar Association, the New Hampshire Bar Association, the Maine State Bar Association and the American Bar Association.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.