About
Thomas B. Gorrill is a seasoned bankruptcy attorney based in San Diego, California, with a legal career spanning over four decades. His practice is focused on creditors’ rights, bankruptcy, and related civil litigation. Since entering private practice in 1984, Mr. Gorrill has handled many bankruptcy matters, including complex disputes and trials, earning a reputation as a knowledgeable and tenacious advocate.
Mr. Gorrill earned his J.D. from California Western School of Law in 1981. He holds a B.A. from Florida International University, which he was awarded in 1975. His academic foundation and early professional experience—as collections counsel and contract manager—prepared him for the specialized demands of bankruptcy law and litigation.
Mr. Gorrill began his legal career helping individuals and sole proprietors file for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. He then joined a larger law firm, where he broadened his practice to include Chapter 11 business reorganizations and representation of bankruptcy trustees and companies. For more than 15 years, he has run his own bankruptcy law practice, concentrating on complex bankruptcy litigation—an area that few consumer bankruptcy attorneys handle.
Mr. Gorrill has tried numerous matters before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in San Diego, frequently representing creditors in objections to discharge and actions involving debt dischargeability. His representative cases include In re: Sandoval, In re: Emelity, and In re: Beaty, the latter reaching the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Thomas B. Gorrill is admitted to practice in California and before multiple federal courts, including all U.S. District Courts in California, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. He is a member of the San Diego County Bankruptcy Forum and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. He has also completed advanced litigation training through the San Diego Inns of Court College of Advocacy and the National Institute for Trial Advocacy.
Holding an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, Mr. Gorrill is recognized for his legal excellence and ethical standards. His litigation-driven approach makes him a trusted advocate in bankruptcy law across Southern California.
Law Office Affiliations
- Attorney, Law Office of Thomas Barr Gorrill
- Member, California State Bar
- Member, San Diego County Bankruptcy Forum
- Member, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys
Licensed State
- California
Education
- California Western School of Law
Juris Doctor (JD) - Florida International University
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Awards & Badges


- Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
- Chapter 7 Bankruptcy




