Mr. Thorson received his undergraduate degree in clinical psychology from the University of New Mexico in 1970. For the next seven years, he worked in the insurance industry as a claims representative and branch office manager. From 1977 to 1983, Mr. Thorson managed the New Mexico and West Texas branches of Gallagher Bassett Insurance Services, a company that establishes, packages, and administers self-insurance programs for corporations and municipalities. His experience includes risk management, real estate appraisal and the handling of claims.

In 1985, Mr. Thorson received his juris doctorate from the University Of New Mexico School Of Law, where he was a member of the moot court team that represented the University of New Mexico in a national competition.

Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Thorson associated with the firm of Johnson & Lanphere, P.C. in Albuquerque, where his practice included general insurance defense work for clients such as the Santa Fe Railroad and Albuquerque Publishing Company. In May of 1987, Mr. Thorson joined Allen, Shepherd, Lewis, Syra & Chapman, P.A. and became a shareholder of the firm in 1991.

Mr. Thorson is presently a member of the Albuquerque Bar Association, the New Mexico and American Bar Associations, the New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Trial Lawyers Association, and has experience trying cases in magistrate and metropolitan courts, state and federal district courts, and the Workers' Compensation Administration.

His defense practice includes medical, dental and legal malpractice, products liability, workers' compensation, and bad faith claims. He also renders legal opinions concerning proposed insurance policy and procedures changes and general tort liability.