A “rare bird” among law firms

— 3rd Circuit 2005

TPM was established by Bruce J. Terris in 1970 as one of the first private public-interest law firms in the country. We are unique in that we are one of the few firms to rely on fee-shifting, rather than hourly rates, as our primary means of compensation.

This means that, in situations where the award of attorneys’ fees is available and likely, we represent clients without payment of fees and expenses and seek compensation from the defendant at the conclusion of the litigation. In other situations, we have represented clients at a substantially reduced rate compared to the usual market rate for attorneys.

Learn about our Environmental, Civil Rights, Open Government/FOIA, Appellate Advocacy, and Public Interest Attorneys’ Fees Litigation Practices.  

Learn more about our firm by clicking the photos below.

HONORS

2022 Outstanding Achievement Award for Exceptional Commitment to Civil Rights and Justice, Washington Lawyers’ Committee

2016 Elite Trial Lawyers (plaintiffs’ class action litigation), The National Law Journal

2007 Outstanding Achievement Award in the field of Public Accommodations, The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs

1999 J. Henry Rushton Award for Advancement of Paddle Sports, The American Canoe Association

1997 Outstanding Achievement Award in the field of Fair Housing, The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs

1981 Conservation Law Award, The National Wildlife Federation