Barrister Profile
Thomas was called to the Bar in October 2022 through Gray’s Inn, having achieved a ‘Very Competent’ on the BPC, obtaining the grade of ‘Outstanding’ in Civil Litigation. Following completing his BPC, Thomas achieved a ‘Distinction’ in his LLM in Legal Practice, earning a ‘Distinction’ in International Human Rights and Domestic Rights.
During his legal education Thomas worked Pro Bono for a range of UK Charities and Legal Clinics in his local community such as Citizens Advice, the Guildford Employments Rights Adviceline Direct, and the Family Law Clinic ‘ULLAC’, informing his client-based approach to litigation. At FUSE, Thomas collaborated with Syrian refugees resettled in Woking to raise funds and awareness UN Initiative, the Syria Emergency Project. Thomas presented to local schools and sports teams with StreetLaw to improve grassroots legal knowledge.
Thomas has continued his commitment to providing Pro Bono support to members of the local community through his membership to the charity Advocate.
Expertise
Family: Care & Children
Private Law Children: Contact and Residence disputes under the Children Act 1989
Thomas routinely represents clients in Children Act 1989 proceedings and has experience making and opposing applications for Child Arrangements Orders, Specific Issue Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders and Special Guardianship Orders.
Thomas has assisted clients in matters involving removal from the Jurisdiction including to both Hague Convention and Non-Hague Convention Countries.
Thomas has experience conducting Fact-Finding Hearings in Children Act 1989 matters, including determining allegations of Parental Alienation.
From initial hearings through to contested final hearings Thomas can deal with matters containing: Domestic Abuse; Vulnerable Parties; Parental Alienation and Alienating Behaviours; and Local Authority and Children’s Guardians.
Domestic violence & injunctions
Thomas ably represents both applicants and respondents in Family Law Act 1996 proceedings. Whether these are ex-parte or on notice, Return Hearings or contested Final Hearings, Thomas can handle applications for Non-molestation Orders and Occupation Orders.
These issues often overlap with Children Act 1989 proceedings and Thomas is equipped to deal with linked applications.
Family: Finance
Thomas regularly receives instructions to represent clients in Matrimonial Finance proceedings at First Hearing Appointments and Financial Dispute Resolution hearings, often reaching positive settlements for his client.
Throughout his first six Thomas had significant exposure to Matrimonial Finance proceedings with his supervisor. Thomas has experience drafting position statements and interim and final orders in financial remedy proceedings.
Employment & Discrimination
Thomas has experience conducting hearings in the Employment Tribunal. As part of his Employment law practice Thomas has undertaken Pro Bono work with Advocate.
Within his pupillage Thomas assisted in the preparation of a case in the Employment Appeals Tribunal, resulting in a successful appeal.
Thomas has worked alongside Barristers as a Support Worker and Note Taker on Employment, Discrimination and Whistleblowing cases at Employment Tribunals on the Western and South Eastern Circuits. Thomas assisted at the Royal Courts of Justice on Smith v Pimlico Plumbers Ltd [2022] EWCA Civ 70 as a Note Taker.
Chancery and Commercial
Traditional Chancery
Alongside his other advocacy experience, Thomas was regularly instructed to make Applications for Set Aside, Summary Judgment, Default Judgment.
Commercial Chancery
Throughout his Tenancy and during his pupillage Thomas has undertaken instructions on Fast Track claims for Road Traffic Accidents, Credit Hire claims, and Breach of Contract matters in addition to his wealth of experience conducting Small Claims.
During his work as a Solicitor’s Agent Thomas has experience conducting Small Claims for Credit Hire Agreements, Breach of Contract, and Flight Delay claims. He also has attended multiple Directions Hearings for PPI Claims with a view to negotiate settlement.
Thomas has been repeatedly instructed on applications for Interim and Final Charging Orders at County Courts in the Western and South Eastern Circuit as well as contested Bankruptcy Petitions.
Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence
Since joining Chambers Thomas has received instructions on Fast Track Personal Injury claims across the Western Circuit.
Prior to starting Pupillage, Thomas worked in County Courts as a Solicitor’s Agent on the Western and South Eastern Circuits. Thomas progressed quickly to conduct Small Claims for Road Traffic Accidents.
Thomas has represented infants in Stage 3 Approval Hearings and conferenced with both children and Litigation Friends. Additionally, Thomas has undertaken watching briefs at Inquests on the Western Circuit.
Immigration
Before joining Chambers, Thomas attended First Tier Immigration Tribunals at Taylor House IAC, shadowing a barrister. Thomas observed work for Appellants, both in conferences and in Tribunals, gaining vital experience of the points based system and Article 8.
Property
Thomas’ work in County Courts frequently involved undertaking possession cases, regularly full possession lists, for both Mortgages and Tenancies. Thomas assisted in conducting litigation for both Section 8 and Section 21 repossessions as well as housing disrepair claims.