Tina Thomas, a prominent Sacramento attorney with extensive experience in high-profile land-use cases, said Thursday that she has left her longtime law firm and formed a new one, Thomas Law Group.

Her move comes after nearly three decades as a managing partner and counsel with the firm of Remy, Thomas, Moose & Manley LLP in Sacramento.

Six present and former attorneys and staff members from Remy, Thomas, Moose & Manley will join Thomas at the new Sacramento firm.

"I just wanted to assemble a really good team under one roof," said Thomas, 58, when asked what prompted her to make the move. "I just want to do my own thing."

Thomas said her new firm will continue to work on land-use issues, including helping clients navigate the California Environmental Quality Act.

Thomas' past client base runs the gamut, from affordable-housing developers to traditional developers to large-scale solar projects, to Chevron to the Sacramento Area Council of Governments. She has done a substantial amount of pro-bono work for social service and neighborhood groups, and said she'll continue to do so.

"My client base is really diverse. … Those will continue to be my clients, so no major shifts," she said.

Thomas co-wrote "Guide to the California Environmental Quality Act," and is working with the state Legislature on CEQA reform. She has argued cases before the state Supreme Court, state appellate courts and in federal court.

She has done a substantial amount of work for Angelo K. Tsakopoulos, the region's largest land developer.

Colleagues call her one of the nation's foremost experts on environmental law.

"For decades, Thomas has been the chief authority on land-use issues in the Sacramento area," said Mark Friedman, president of Fulcrum Property in Sacramento. "My company has looked to Thomas for our most difficult CEQA and land-use issues, and she consistently delivers results."

Thomas has long been active in community service and serves on multiple nonprofit boards, including the John Burton Foundation, Camellia Network, the California Museum, Faith in Families and Sacramento Food Bank Services.

In addition, Thomas has been active in local and statewide politics. She worked as finance chairwoman on former state Treasurer Phil Angelides' unsuccessful campaign for governor in 2006. Thomas was also a friend and political supporter of the late Sacramento Mayor Joe Serna Jr. and his wife, Isabel, and led the effort to create the statue of the couple that sits outside City Hall.

"Tina Thomas has been instrumental in making the Sacramento region a better place to live and do business," said Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna, the ex-mayor's son.

Joining Thomas at Thomas Law Group are former Remy, Thomas, Moose & Manley partner Ashle Crocker; former associates Chris Butcher, Amy Higuera and Michele Tong; office manager Stephanie Richburg and legal assistant Ara Jauregui. It will operate out of Suite 801, 455 Capitol Mall.

Remy, Thomas, Moose & Manley, also based at 455 Capitol Mall, has been renamed Remy Moose Manley LLP. It now has 12 lawyers, including founding partners Jim Moose and Whitman Manley. In a statement, the firm said it will continue its long specialization in environmental and land-use law.

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