Professional practice

C&P 2024Leading Junior

Tom Ford is widely acknowledged as one of the standout stars of the Commercial Bar, and indeed won Commercial Litigation Junior of the Year at the Legal500 Bar Awards 2024. Tom is a senior junior regularly instructed – both unled and as part of a team – in high-value commercial disputes, whether contractual or with a tort or fraud aspect. He frequently argues matters against King’s Counsel, and acts both in Court and arbitration, as well as having considerable experience of appellate advocacy. Alongside ranking Tom as Tier 1 for both Commercial Dispute Resolution and Civil Fraud, Chambers and Partners identifies that, “He’s truly exceptional and incredibly tactically astute. An outsider would assume that he is already a KC, and I’m sure he will be soon.” Alongside a top Tier 1 ranking, Legal 500 has identified that Tom is “a tenacious advocate who fights his client’s case very hard. Excellent attention to detail.” In addition to huge experience of acting before the English Courts, Tom has offshore experience, as well as acting in arbitrations  seated in various different jurisdictions around the world.

Tom’s practice covers domestic and international commercial dispute resolution, including contractual claims, banking & finance disputes, civil fraud claims, shareholder disputes, arbitrations and related proceedings, and appellate advocacy. Tom is currently recognised in the Legal Directories for his particular reputation in Commercial Dispute Resolution (Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500 and Who’s Who Legal), Civil Fraud (Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500) and Banking and Finance (The Legal 500). The latest edition of Chambers and Partners describes that, “Tom is brilliant. He really gets into the detail of a case and has a real drive to deliver top-notch work” and “Tom is an excellent senior junior, who is very confident on his feet. I think he has a great future ahead of him as a potential leader”, with the previous edition having identified that, “Tom is a force of nature” and “an absolutely formidable barrister and strategist.” Tom also has very considerable experience of acting in an appellate context, including acting as advocate before the Court of Appeal, whether in relation to cases in which he acted as counsel at first instance or being brought into cases purely to cover the appellate stage.

Tom’s expertise has been recognised as exceptional: Tom is ranked in Litigation as a “Future Leader” by Lexology Index, won Commercial Litigation Junior of the year in 2024 (Legal500 Bar Awards), having been shortlisted as a finalist on three previous occasions (Legal 500 in 2023; Chambers Bar Awards 2022 and 2019), and previously highlighted in Legal Week’s Stars of the Bar. That article explained: “Highly commended in 2013’s feature, 2017 sees Ford enter this feature in his own right, as someone who is equally as able at major oligarch disputes, as he is in offshore arbitrations and enforcement actions, to mainstream Commercial Court work, be they banking cases, shareholder disputes, or civil fraud claims…” 

Tom has particular and regular experience of acting in high profile and lengthy trials. Examples of recent instructions include acting for dfcu Bank Ltd in Crane Bank Ltd v. dfcu Bank Ltd, involving claims of over £170m said to arise from the resolution of a Ugandan bank by the Central Bank of Uganda; acting for PJSC Transneft in multiple hearings in Magomedov v. PJSC Transneft including its successful challenge to jurisdiction; acting for Nigeria in Federal Republic of Nigeria v. P&ID, an eight week Commercial Court trial, leading to the landmark setting aside of the US $11 billion arbitration against Nigeria (winner of the Global Arbitration Review’s 2024 “Most Important Decision” Award, and one of The Lawyer’s Top 20 cases of 2023); acting – both at first instance and in the Court of Appeal – for a Swiss lawyer in a successful jurisdiction challenge in Public Institution for Social Security v. Al Rajaan & Ors (a previous The Lawyer Top 20 case), and acting in the twelve week Commercial Court trial in Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors, the longest fully remote Commercial Court trial of 2020, involving the cross-examination of witnesses and experts from the UK, Russia, Ukraine and America via video link.

In addition to acting in trials and arbitrations, Tom has considerable experience in interlocutory matters (including freezing injunctions, anti-suit and anti-anti suits injunctions, applications concerning disclosure and challenges to privilege claims, summary judgment and security for costs applications), arbitration enforcement claims and in appeals.

Tom has also acted in arbitrations under various different rules (including ICC, LCIA, DIFC-LCIA, NAI and ad hoc) and seated in various different jurisdictions around the world, including different European Countries, the Middle East, and India. He has also acted in the DIFC Courts in the Dubai International Financial Centre.

Tom has been called to the Bar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in the BVI, and is a Part II Registered Practitioner before the DIFC Courts.

 

What others say

Tom is ranked in Litigation as a “Future Leader” by Who’s Who Legal, has been twice shortlisted in the final three as Commercial Litigation Junior of the Year (Chambers Bar Awards 2019 and 2022), and previously highlighted in Legal Week’s Stars of the Bar. Recent comments about Tom in the legal directories include:

Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2025, Commercial Dispute Resolution:

“I think he has a great future ahead of him as a potential leader.”

“Tom is an excellent senior junior, who is very confident on his feet.”

“Clever, incredibly diligent, good company and very good humoured.”

“An outsider would assume that he is already a KC, and I’m sure he will be soon.”

“He’s truly exceptional and incredibly tactically astute.”

“He really gets into the detail of a case and has a real drive to deliver top-notch work.”

“Tom is brilliant.”

“An absolutely formidable barrister and strategist.”

Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2025, Fraud: Civil:

“He is clever, incredibly diligent and good-humoured.”

“He throws himself into the case and nothing fazes him.”

“Tom is extremely user-friendly, very bright and an extremely good drafter.”

Legal 500 UK Bar 2025, Banking & Finance:

“He is very intelligent and tenacious.”

Legal 500 UK Bar 2025, Commercial Litigation:

“A tenacious advocate who fights his client’s case very hard. Excellent attention to detail.”

Legal 500 UK Bar 2025, Fraud: Civil:

“A tenacious and forensic junior.”

Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2024, Commercial Dispute Resolution:

“An absolutely formidable barrister and strategist.”

Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2024, Fraud: Civil:

“Tom is a force of nature. He works extraordinarily hard and is relentless.” “He is so dedicated to clients, always going the extra mile. He also picks up strategic points no one else has noticed.”

Legal 500 UK Bar 2024, Fraud: Civil:

“Tom is an exceptionally gifted lawyer, who works extremely hard. He is a measured, careful and persuasive advocate.”

Legal 500 UK Bar 2024, Banking & Finance:

“Tom is very smart and very hard-working. His legal analysis is matched by very few at the Bar.”

Legal 500 UK Bar 2024, Commercial Litigation:

‘Tom has a lot of energy, is well spoken, and a good strategist. He’s also a pleasure to work with – he has no weaknesses.‘

Legal 500 UK Bar 2023, Fraud: Civil:

“Tom is a force of nature. He can take on much bigger and better funded teams, and beat them into submission almost single-handedly. An extraordinary work ethic and a great legal mind. And a very nice chap as well – it is a real pleasure working with him.”

Legal 500 UK Bar 2023, Commercial Litigation:

“Tom has an impressive grasp of detail and the law, but is able to distill that into clear advice and strategic suggestions. He is responsive, very hard-working and overall a pleasure to deal with. His advocacy is well-prepared and persuasive.”

Legal 500 UK Bar 2023, Banking & Finance:

“Clear, well organised in his submissions, and thorough.”

Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2023, Commercial Dispute Resolution:

“Tom has a keen intellect and lives and breathes your case for you.” “He provides excellent written work and is responsive and intelligent. A star in the making.” “He is very good on the strategic side and at looking at everything with a holistic view.”

Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2023, Fraud: Civil:

“Tom is incredibly tenacious and effective.” “He is a very established junior with a very sharp intellect and the ability to see new angles.”

The Legal 500 2022, Fraud: Civil:

“Simply put, Tom is a civil fraud star. He is relentless – absolutely committed and a dream to have on your team.”

The Legal 500 2022, Commercial Litigation:

“An absolute machine. He can single-handedly dismantle a team of five or more on the other side with his sharp legal mind and extraordinary work ethic and determination to win.”

The Legal 500 2022, Banking & Finance:

“He has confidence beyond his years to put forward his opinion on matters, meaning solicitors get great value from him.”

Chambers and Partners 2022, Fraud: Civil:

“He’s unflappable and extremely hard-working. His drafting is exemplary and he has a confident demeanour in court.” “He’s very passionate, an amazing team player and really cares about the client. He spots points that no one else has seen, which makes a huge difference to cases.” “Has a huge brain and is a super intellectual. His capacity to work is astounding and his advocacy is very well structured.”

Chambers and Partners 2022, Commercial Dispute Resolution: 

“Has infectious enthusiasm and is passionate about his cases, showing an amazing attention to detail. He does not only spot great points, but he properly articulates them. Tom is great to work with.”

Legal 500 UK Bar 2021, Banking & Finance:

“He is bright, energetic and has the tenacity to always stay one step ahead of the opposition – his strategic thinking is beyond his years.”

Legal 500 UK Bar 2021, Commercial Litigation:

“He combines immense intellectual firepower with incredible focus and a great tactical sense, he drives the litigation in a way that few junior barristers can do or would even attempt.”

Legal 500 UK Bar 2021, Fraud: Civil:

“One of the finest juniors I have ever worked with – diligent, hard-working, highly-intelligent and talented strategist, his package of skills are, to my mind, unrivalled in this area.”

Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2021, Commercial Dispute Resolution:

“Very thorough and precise, he is fantastic to work with and has great energy.” “He is good on his feet and he knows what the court wants to hear.”

Chambers & Partners UK Bar 2021, Fraud: Civil:

“An extremely bright and able junior who is excellent in court.” “He’s passionate, driven and comes up with points that change the case.”

In both 2019 and 2022 Tom was one of the three final finalists shortlisted for Commercial Litigation Junior of the Year (Chambers Bar Awards), with Chambers UK Bar 2020 identifying that Tom “has an intoxicating combination of caution, intelligence and tactical brilliance; he really is three steps ahead in most situations” and “he spots case-changing points that nobody on the other side sees.”

Legal 500 in its 2020 edition particularly highlighted Tom for Civil Fraud and Banking and Finance, describing that he is, “a superstar destined for great things” and that “he is unflappable, dealing with each challenge efficiently and effectively through a combination of determination and charm.”

The previous 2018 edition of Chambers UK Bar Guide described Tom as “a barrister with an insatiable appetite for work, he has a lot of great ideas and can assimilate a morass of facts into a single, succinct point” and that “he goes out of his way to be helpful”, whilst the 2019 edition described that Tom “performs very well, and is very smart, user-friendly, keen and enthusiastic” and “demonstrates excellent attention to detail and drafting skills.” The Legal 500 previously described Tom in its 2019 edition as, ‘an absolutely first-rate junior combining intellect with sound practical judgement and advice.’

Tom was one of Legal Week’s Stars of the Bar 2017. The article explained: “highly commended in 2013’s feature, 2017 sees Ford enter this feature in his own right, as someone who is equally as able at major oligarch disputes, as he is in offshore arbitrations and enforcement actions, to mainstream Commercial Court work, be they banking cases, shareholder disputes, or civil fraud claims… Instructed by firms ranging from Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, to Clifford Chance, Ford is described by one as a “diligent junior who never ceases to impress with his capacity for hard work,” while one leader describes him as “outstanding”. What makes him so good? “He has an extraordinary photographic memory combined with a keen eye for the really important matters,” notes one senior lawyer, while another says he is “a bold advocate who is not afraid to express his views forcefully, even if it sometimes means having to go toe-to- toe against those who are more senior to him.”

Examples of recent cases
  • Acting (led by Mark Howard KC) on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in an eight week US $11 billion Commercial Court trial in 2023 (Federal Republic of Nigeria v. P&ID) seeking to set aside an arbitration award pursuant to section 68(2)(g) of the Arbitration Act 1996 on the grounds that the award was procured by fraud or contrary to public policy. Tom argued a number of interlocutory hearings as sole counsel against opposing King’s Counsel, including those concerning specific disclosure. The case was identified by The Lawyer as one of the Top 20 cases of 2023.
  • Acted (led by Stephen Houseman KC) in Africa Finance Corp v. Aiteo Eastern E&P Co Ltd [2022] EWHC 768 (Comm), a substantial Commercial Court arbitration anti-suit application.
  • Acted (led by Nathan Pillow KC) in Public Institution for Social Security v. Al Rajaan, [2020] EWHC 2979 (Comm) and in the Court of Appeal in Public Institution for Social Security v. Al Rajaan, [2022] EWCA Civ 29, concerning the proper jurisdiction of a major fraud claim.
  • Acted (led by Paul McGrath KC) in PJSC Bank ‘Finance and Credit’ v. Zhevago [2021] EWHC 2522 (Ch) challenging jurisdiction and resisting the grant of a world-wide inter partes US $500m freezing injunction.
  • Acted (led by Joe Smouha KC) in proceedings in the Commercial Court concerning the enforcement of a substantial New York Convention arbitration award, with issues including the effect of international sanctions. Reported judgments include Ministry of Defence and Support for Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran v. International Military Services Ltd [2019] 1 WLR 6409, upheld by the Court of Appeal in an expedited appeal (Ministry of Defence and Support for Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran v. International Military Services Ltd [2020] 1 WLR 1726) and subsequently refused permission by the Supreme Court.
  • Acted (led by Mark Howard KC) in PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2021] EWHC 411 (Comm), a very substantial Commercial Court dispute involving claims under Article 1064 of the Russian Civil Code against a number of Ukrainian oligarchs. The case culminated in a twelve week fully remote trial in 2020. Interlocutory issues included jurisdiction & the question of the discharge of the worldwide freezing injunction (first instance PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2017] 1 All E.R. (Comm) 833 and Court of Appeal PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2018] 4 WLR 14); security for costs (PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2019] Costs L.R. 977); permission to amend (PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2018] EWHC 2499 (Comm) and subsequently PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2020] EWHC 623 (Comm)), claims to privilege (PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2020] EWHC 2437 (Comm)) and waiver of privilege (PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2020] EWHC 3225 (Comm)), and relief from sanctions (PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors ([2020] EWHC 3250 (Comm)).
  • Acted (as sole Counsel) in a two-day jurisdiction and summary judgment application in the Chancery Division in relation to share options granted in relation to the sale of a major telecommunications group (Kinsella v. Emasan AG [2019] EWHC 3196 (Ch)), culminating in a two week trial in 2021 (led by Philippa Hopkins KC) which settled part through.
  • Acted (led by Stephen Houseman KC) in a LCIA-DIFC Arbitration concerning a shareholder dispute in the tech industry involving DIFC and KSA entities, and acting as sole counsel in related proceedings in the DIFC Court (CFI 031/2019, judgment dated 5 March 2020).
  • Acted (led by Graham Chapman KC) in a five-week Commercial Court trial in a Russian oligarch dispute: Filatona Trading Ltd v. Navigator Equities Ltd [2019] EWHC 173 (Comm), with interlocutory issues including security for costs (Danilina v. Chernukhin [2018] EWHC 39 (Comm) and Court of Appeal [2019] 1 WLR 758) and disclosure.
  • Acted (as sole Counsel) in a two-day Commercial Court interlocutory hearing in relation to claims of privilege (Sotheby’s v Mark Weiss Ltd [2019] Lloyd’s Rep. F.C. 191) and against David Foxton KC (Sotheby’s v Mark Weiss Ltd [2017] EWHC 3789 (Comm)).
  • Acted (led by Joe Smouha KC) in a dispute (Chancery Division) involving share options.
  • Acted (led by Richard Millett KC) in a LCIA Arbitration for a major Russian entity in a multibillion-dollar shareholder dispute over the control of a leading international telecommunications company.
  • Acted (led by David Joseph KC) for a major European wind turbine manufacturer in an ad hoc arbitration under the Indian Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996 in respect of a dispute with its Indian joint venture partner.
  • Acted for shareholders of a substantial retailer in relation to disputes under a Shareholders’ Agreement in an LCIA Arbitration.
  • Acted (led by Gordon Pollock KC and Salim Moollan KC) in Burlington Resources (Irish Sea) Ltd v. Hydrocarbon Resources Ltd, a dispute in the Commercial Court involving issues of contractual construction and equitable rectification.
  • Acted (as sole Counsel) in a jurisdiction challenge in the Commercial Court involving Swiss parties in connection with a dispute concerning oil supplies in Turkmenistan.
  • Acted (led by Graham Dunning KC) in a substantial LCIA Arbitration involving a dispute between joint venture parties.
  • Acted (led by David Foxton KC and Stephen Houseman KC) in JP Morgan Chase Bank plc (2) JP Morgan Securities Ltd v. Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe Anstalt öffentlichen Rechts v. Clifford Chance Partnerschaftsgesellschaft von Rechtsanwälten, Wirtschaftsprüfern, Steuerberatern und Solicitors: an eight week Commercial Court trial in connection with allegations of misselling of Credit Derivative Obligations. Interlocutory applications included disputes in relation to the specific disclosure of internal investigations and claims to privilege.
  • Acted (led by Dominic Kendrick KC and Paul McGrath KC) in Linsen International Ltd v. Humpuss Sea Transport PTE [2011] EWHC 2339 (Comm); [2011] 2 Lloyd’s Rep. 663; [2011] 2 CLC 773: successfully discharging a worldwide freezing injunction which had been incorrectly obtained on the basis of piercing the corporate veil.
Arbitration & related court applications

Tom has experience in acting in arbitrations under various institutional rules, and in different jurisdictions. Tom is also regularly instructed in ancillary court proceedings, including claims to enforce arbitration awards.

Examples of recent cases, which are typical of Tom’s practice, include:

  • Acting (led by Mark Howard KC) on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in an eight week US $11 billion Commercial Court trial in 2023 (Federal Republic of Nigeria v. P&ID) seeking to set aside an arbitration award pursuant to section 68(2)(g) of the Arbitration Act 1996 on the grounds that the award was procured by fraud or contrary to public policy. Tom argued a number of interlocutory hearings as sole counsel against opposing King’s Counsel, including those concerning specific disclosure. The case was identified by The Lawyer as one of the Top 20 cases of 2023.
  • Acted (led by Stephen Houseman KC) in Africa Finance Corp v. Aiteo Eastern E&P Co Ltd [2022] EWHC 768 (Comm), a substantial Commercial Court arbitration anti-suit application.
  • Acted (led by Joe Smouha KC) in proceedings in the Commercial Court concerning the enforcement of a substantial New York Convention arbitration award, with issues including the effect of international sanctions. Reported judgments include Ministry of Defence and Support for Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran v. International Military Services Ltd[2019] 1 WLR 6409, upheld by the Court of Appeal in an expedited appeal (Ministry of Defence and Support for Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran v. International Military Services Ltd [2020] 1 WLR 1726) and subsequently refused permission by the Supreme Court.
  • Acted (led by Stephen Houseman KC) in a LCIA-DIFC Arbitration concerning a shareholder dispute in the tech industry involving DIFC and KSA entities, and acting as sole counsel in related proceedings in the DIFC Court (CFI 031/2019, judgment dated 5 March 2020).
  • Acted (led by Richard Millett KC) in a LCIA Arbitration for a major Russian entity in a multibillion-dollar shareholder dispute over the control of a leading international telecommunications company.
  • Acted (led by Graham Dunning KC) in a substantial LCIA Arbitration involving a dispute between joint venture parties.
  • Acted (led by David Joseph KC) in an ad hoc arbitration under the Indian Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996.
  • Being brought in (led by Vernon Flynn KC) for the purpose of preparing an appeal to the Court of Appeal on behalf of a party contesting jurisdiction and seeking to resist enforcement of an arbitration award falling within the New York Convention.
  • Acted (led by Graham Dunning KC) in an ICC arbitration seated in Dubai. The final hearing took place in the UAE in February 2014.
  • Acted (led by Joe Smouha KC) in a NAI arbitration involving a contractual dispute arising from a License Agreement relating to the development of a pharmaceutical drug. The final hearing took place in the Hague and resulted in a $130 million damages award.
Banking & financial services

The Legal 500 has particularly highlighted Tom for his skill in Banking and Finance, describing Tom in its 2023 edition as “Clear, well organised in his submissions, and thorough”; stating in its 2022 edition that “[Tom] has confidence beyond his years to put forward his opinion on matters, meaning solicitors get great value from him” and identifying Tom in its 2021 edition as “bright, energetic and has the tenacity to always stay one step ahead of the opposition – his strategic thinking is beyond his years.” The 2020 edition described Tom as, “unflappable, dealing with each challenge efficiently and effectively through a combination of determination and charm.” Tom was highlighted in its 2019 edition as ‘An absolutely first-rate junior combining intellect with sound practical judgement and advice.’

Tom has experience acting for and against major financial institutions and corporations in disputes involving banking and financial transactions. Examples of recent cases, which are typical of Tom’s practice, include:

  • Acted (led by Stephen Houseman KC) in Africa Finance Corp v. Aiteo Eastern E&P Co Ltd [2022] EWHC 768 (Comm), a substantial Commercial Court arbitration anti-suit application arising from the US$2 billion financing of the  purchase of an interest in Nigerian oil fields and facilities.
  • Acted (led by Paul McGrath KC) in PJSC Bank ‘Finance and Credit’ v. Zhevago [2021] EWHC 2522 (Ch) challenging jurisdiction and resisting the grant of a world-wide inter partes US $500m freezing injunction relating to transactions entered into by a bank prior to its insolvency.
  • Acted (as sole Counsel) in a two-day jurisdiction and summary judgment application in the Chancery Division in relation to share options granted in relation to the sale of a major telecommunications group (Kinsella v. Emasan AG [2019] EWHC 3196 (Ch)), culminating in a two week trial in 2021 (led by Philippa Hopkins KC) which settled part through.
  • Acted (as sole Counsel) in a dispute involving personal guarantees in connection with loans provided to a company.
  • Acted (as sole Counsel) in relation to charging orders over the shares.
  • Acted in a dispute involving claims under s423 of the Insolvency Act 1986 in relation to the refinancing of a corporate entity and the repurchase deeply subordinated convertible private equity certificates (CPECs).
  • Acted (led by James Collins KC) in Capita Business Services Ltd & Ors v. Reliance Security Group Ltd: a dispute in the Commercial Court involving allegations of breach of warranty in connection with the sale of a business.
  • Acted (as sole Counsel) in Integral Petroleum SA v. SCU-Finanz AC & Ors, a jurisdiction challenge in the Commercial Court involving Swiss parties in connection with a dispute concerning oil supplies in Turkmenistan.
  • Acted (led by James Collins KC) in Ng Su Ling v. (1) Goldman Sachs International (2) Goldman Sachs (Singapore) Pte, a dispute in the Commercial Court concerning bankers’ duties in relation to the termination of a margin loan facility and liquidation of a portfolio.
  • Acted (led by David Foxton KC and Stephen Houseman KC) in JP Morgan Chase Bank plc (2) JP Morgan Securities Ltd v. Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe Anstalt öffentlichen Rechts v. Clifford Chance Partnerschaftsgesellschaft von Rechtsanwälten, Wirtschaftsprüfern, Steuerberatern und Solicitors, an eight-week Commercial Court trial in connection with allegations of misselling of Credit Derivative Obligations. Interlocutory applications included disputes in relation to the specific disclosure of internal investigations and claims to privilege.
  • Acted (led by Paul McGrath KC) in Svenksa Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA (Publ) & ors v. DS Smith Plc, a dispute in the Chancery Division relating to the preparation of Completion Accounts in connection with the sale of a business.
  • Acted (led by Joe Smouha KC) in Saltri III Ltd v. MD Mezzanine SA [2012] EWHC 1270 (Comm), a dispute relating to a mezzanine financing arrangement. The case, which culminated in a three-week Commercial Court Trial, included substantial interlocutory hearings, including a two-day disclosure application involving issues of control and privilege.
Civil fraud & asset recovery

Tom is identified in both the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for his expertise in cases involving civil fraud & asset recovery, with a Tier 1 ranking in The Legal 500.

The Legal 500 states in its 2023 edition that “Tom is incredibly tenacious and effective.”“He is a very established junior with a very sharp intellect and the ability to see new angles.”  The 2022 edition identified that “simply put, Tom is a civil fraud star. He is relentless – absolutely committed and a dream to have on your team.”  The 2021 edition described Tom as “one of the finest juniors I have ever worked with – diligent, hard-working, highly-intelligent and talented strategist, his package of skills are, to my mind, unrivalled in this area.” The 2020 edition described Tom as, “a superstar destined for great things.”

Chambers & Partners describes Tom in its 2023 edition as “incredibly tenacious and effective.” “He is a very established junior with a very sharp intellect and the ability to see new angles.” The 2022 edition identified that “he’s unflappable and extremely hard-working. His drafting is exemplary and he has a confident demeanour in court.” “He’s very passionate, an amazing team player and really cares about the client. He spots points that no one else has seen, which makes a huge difference to cases.” “Has a huge brain and is a super intellectual. His capacity to work is astounding and his advocacy is very well structured.” The 2021 edition described that Tom is “an extremely bright and able junior who is excellent in court.” “He’s passionate, driven and comes up with points that change the case.”

Tom has considerable experience in claims pursuing and defending allegations of fraud and bad faith (including disputes involving claims of deceit, misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty and conspiracy), and is regularly instructed on significant and high profile cases involving allegations of fraud. Examples of recent cases, which are typical of Tom’s practice, include:

  • Acting (led by Mark Howard KC) on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in an eight week US $11 billion Commercial Court trial in 2023 (Federal Republic of Nigeria v. P&ID) seeking to set aside an arbitration award pursuant to section 68(2)(g) of the Arbitration Act 1996 on the grounds that the award was procured by fraud or contrary to public policy. Tom argued a number of interlocutory hearings as sole counsel against opposing King’s Counsel, including those concerning specific disclosure. The case was identified by The Lawyer as one of the Top 20 cases of 2023.
  • Acted (led by Nathan Pillow KC) in Public Institution for Social Security v. Al Rajaan, [2020] EWHC 2979 (Comm) and in the Court of Appeal in Public Institution for Social Security v. Al Rajaan, [2022] EWCA Civ 29, concerning the proper jurisdiction of a major fraud claim.
  • Acted (led by Paul McGrath KC) in PJSC Bank ‘Finance and Credit’ v. Zhevago [2021] EWHC 2522 (Ch) challenging jurisdiction and resisting the grant of a world-wide inter partes US $500m freezing injunction.
  • Acted (led by Mark Howard KC) inPJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2021] EWHC 411 (Comm), a very substantial Commercial Court dispute involving claims under Article 1064 of the Russian Civil Code against a number of Ukrainian oligarchs. The case culminated in a twelve week fully remote trial in 2020. Interlocutory issues included jurisdiction & the question of the discharge of the worldwide freezing injunction (first instance PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2017] 1 All E.R. (Comm) 833 and Court of Appeal PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2018] 4 WLR 14); security for costs (PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2019] Costs L.R. 977); permission to amend (PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2018] EWHC 2499 (Comm) and subsequently PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2020] EWHC 623 (Comm)), claims to privilege (PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2020] EWHC 2437 (Comm)) and waiver of privilege (PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2020] EWHC 3225 (Comm)), and relief from sanctions (PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors ([2020] EWHC 3250 (Comm)).
  • Acted (as sole Counsel) in a two-day Commercial Court interlocutory hearing in relation to claims of privilege (Sotheby’s v Mark Weiss Ltd[2018] EWHC 3179 (Comm)) and against David Foxton KC (Sotheby’s v Mark Weiss Ltd [2017] EWHC 3789 (Comm)).
  • Instructed in a five-week Commercial Court trial, and multiple interlocutory applications, including relating to disclosure and security for costs (which went to the Court of Appeal) in a Russian oligarch dispute: Danilina v Chernukhin[2018] EWHC 39 (Comm); Danilina v Chernukhin [2019] 1 W.L.R. 758; Danilina v Chernukhin [2018] EWHC 2503 (Comm) and Filatona Trading Ltd v Navigator Equities Ltd [2019] EWHC 173 (Comm).
  • Acted (led by Vernon Flynn KC) in Jakob v. Mazur, a dispute concerning the registration and enforcement of a freezing injunction in England pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) 44/2001 and under Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Order 2001, Schedule 1, paragraph 2.
  • Acted (led by Paul McGrath KC) in the Commercial Court for a FTSE 100 company in claims of conspiracy and breach of fiduciary duty against former employees and other individuals relating to the misappropriation of funds.
  • Acted (led by David Joseph KC) in an ad hoc arbitration under the Indian Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996 involving a dispute in connection with a joint venture in India, including allegations of breach of duties of good faith.
  • Acted (led by Paul McGrath KC) inSvenksa Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA (Publ) & ors v. DS Smith Plc, a dispute in the Chancery Division relating to the preparation of Completion Accounts in connection with the sale of a business, including claims of conspiracy.
  • Acted (led by Paul Stanley KC) in Concept Oil Services Ltd v. En-Gin Group LLP, obtaining a worldwide freezing injunction in the Commercial Court in a dispute involving allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation and conspiracy.
  • Acted (led by Dominic Kendrick KC and Paul McGrath KC) inLinsen International Ltd v. Humpuss Sea Transport PTE [2011] EWHC 2339 (Comm); [2011] 2 Lloyd’s Rep. 663; [2011] 2 CLC 773, discharging in the Commercial Court a worldwide freezing injunction which had been incorrectly obtained on the basis of piercing the corporate veil.
Commercial chancery disputes

Examples of recent cases, which are typical of Tom’s practice, include:

  • Acted (as sole Counsel) in a two-day jurisdiction and summary judgment application in the Chancery Division in relation to share options granted in relation to the sale of a major telecommunications group (Kinsella v. Emasan AG [2019] EWHC 3196 (Ch)), culminating in a two week trial in 2021 (led by Philippa Hopkins KC) which settled part through.
  • Acted (led by Paul McGrath KC) in PJSC Bank ‘Finance and Credit’ v. Zhevago [2021] EWHC 2522 (Ch) challenging jurisdiction and resisting the grant of a world-wide inter partes US $500m freezing injunction in the Chancery Division.
  • Instructed in a five-week trial, and multiple interlocutory applications, including relating to disclosure and security for costs (which went to the Court of Appeal) in a Russian oligarch dispute, including claims relating to the proper construction and effect of a shareholders’ agreement: Danilina v Chernukhin [2018] EWHC 39 (Comm); Danilina v Chernukhin [2019] 1 W.L.R. 758; Danilina v Chernukhin [2018] EWHC 2503 (Comm) and Filatona Trading Ltd v Navigator Equities Ltd [2019] EWHC 173 (Comm).
  • Acted (led by Richard Millett KC) in a LCIA Arbitration for a major Russian entity in a multibillion-dollar shareholder dispute over the control of a leading international telecommunications company.
  • Acted for shareholders of a substantial retailer in relation to disputes under a Shareholders’ Agreement.
  • Acted (led by Gordon Pollock KC and Salim Moollan) in Burlington Resources (Irish Sea) Ltd v. Hydrocarbon Resources Ltd, a Commercial Court dispute including claims of equitable rectification.
  • Acted (led by David Joseph KC) in an ad hoc arbitration under the Indian Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996 involving a dispute between joint venture parties.
  • Acted (led by Paul McGrath KC) in Svenksa Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA (Publ) & ors v. DS Smith Plc, a dispute in the Chancery Division relating to the preparation of Completion Accounts in connection with the sale of a business.
  • Acted (led by Richard Millett KC) in proceedings in the Chancery Division relating to the registration and priority of charges over property, including issues of subrogation.
Commercial litigation

Tom is identified in both the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for his expertise in commercial litigation. Tom has twice been shortlisted as Commercial Litigation Junior of the Year (Chambers Bar Awards 2019 and 2022), and is ranked in Litigation as a “Future Leader” by Who’s Who Legal.

The Legal 500 in its 2023 edition describes that “Tom has an impressive grasp of detail and the law, but is able to distill that into clear advice and strategic suggestions. He is responsive, very hard-working and overall a pleasure to deal with. His advocacy is well-prepared and persuasive.” The 2022 edition stated that Tom is “an absolute machine. He can single-handedly dismantle a team of five or more on the other side with his sharp legal mind and extraordinary work ethic and determination to win.”  The 2021 edition described that Tom “combines immense intellectual firepower with incredible focus and a great tactical sense, he drives the litigation in a way that few junior barristers can do or would even attempt.”

Chambers & Partners in its 2023 edition describes that “Tom has a keen intellect and lives and breathes your case for you.” “He provides excellent written work and is responsive and intelligent. A star in the making.” “He is very good on the strategic side and at looking at everything with a holistic view.”  The 2022 edition stated that Tom “has infectious enthusiasm and is passionate about his cases, showing an amazing attention to detail. He does not only spot great points, but he properly articulates them. Tom is great to work with.” The 2021 edition described that Tom is “very thorough and precise, he is fantastic to work with and has great energy” and “he is good on his feet and he knows what the court wants to hear.”

Tom has experience across a wide range of international and domestic commercial cases, including disputes regarding contractual construction, duties under contracts and in tort, issues of quantum and substantial banking & finance and civil fraud claims. Tom acts at all stages of the litigation process, including advisory work, drafting pleadings, appearing in court and bringing appeals (with considerable experience of acting in the Court of Appeal). Examples of recent cases, which are typical of Tom’s practice, include:

  • Acting (led by Mark Howard KC) on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in an eight week US $11 billion Commercial Court trial in 2023 (Federal Republic of Nigeria v. P&ID) seeking to set aside an arbitration award pursuant to section 68(2)(g) of the Arbitration Act 1996 on the grounds that the award was procured by fraud or contrary to public policy. Tom argued a number of interlocutory hearings as sole counsel against opposing King’s Counsel, including those concerning specific disclosure. The case was identified by The Lawyer as one of the Top 20 cases of 2023.
  • Acted (led by Stephen Houseman KC) in Africa Finance Corp v. Aiteo Eastern E&P Co Ltd [2022] EWHC 768 (Comm), a substantial Commercial Court arbitration anti-suit application.
  • Acted (led by Nathan Pillow KC) in Public Institution for Social Security v. Al Rajaan, [2020] EWHC 2979 (Comm) in the Commercial Court and in the Court of Appeal in Public Institution for Social Security v. Al Rajaan, [2022] EWCA Civ 29, concerning the proper jurisdiction of a major fraud claim.
  • Acted (led by Paul McGrath KC) in PJSC Bank ‘Finance and Credit’ v. Zhevago [2021] EWHC 2522 (Ch) challenging jurisdiction and resisting the grant of a world-wide inter partes US $500m freezing injunction in the Chancery Division.
  • Acted (led by Mark Howard KC) in PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2021] EWHC 411 (Comm), a very substantial Commercial Court dispute involving claims under Article 1064 of the Russian Civil Code against a number of Ukrainian oligarchs. The case culminated in a twelve week fully remote trial in 2020. Interlocutory issues included jurisdiction & the question of the discharge of the worldwide freezing injunction (first instance PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2017] 1 All E.R. (Comm) 833 and Court of Appeal PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2018] 4 WLR 14); security for costs (PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2019] Costs L.R. 977); permission to amend (PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2018] EWHC 2499 (Comm) and subsequently PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2020] EWHC 623 (Comm)), claims to privilege (PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2020] EWHC 2437 (Comm)) and waiver of privilege (PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors [2020] EWHC 3225 (Comm)), and relief from sanctions (PJSC Tatneft v. Bogolyubov and ors ([2020] EWHC 3250 (Comm)).
  • Acted (led by Joe Smouha KC) in proceedings in the Commercial Court concerning the enforcement of a substantial New York Convention arbitration award, with issues including the effect of international sanctions. Reported judgments include Ministry of Defence and Support for Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran v. International Military Services Ltd [2019] 1 WLR 6409, upheld by the Court of Appeal in an expedited appeal (Ministry of Defence and Support for Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran v. International Military Services Ltd [2020] 1 WLR 1726) and subsequently refused permission by the Supreme Court.
  • Acted (as sole Counsel) in a two-day jurisdiction and summary judgment application in the Chancery Division in relation to share options granted in relation to the sale of a major telecommunications group (Kinsella v. Emasan AG [2019] EWHC 3196 (Ch)), culminating in a two week trial in 2021 (led by Philippa Hopkins KC) which settled part through.
  • Acted (led by Stephen Houseman KC) in a LCIA-DIFC Arbitration concerning a shareholder dispute in the tech industry involving DIFC and KSA entities, and acting as sole counsel in related proceedings in the DIFC Court (CFI 031/2019, judgment dated 5 March 2020).
  • Acted (as sole Counsel) in a two day Commercial Court interlocutory hearing in relation to claims of privilege (Sotheby’s v Mark Weiss Ltd [2018] EWHC 3179 (Comm)) and against David Foxton KC (Sotheby’s v Mark Weiss Ltd [2017] EWHC 3789 (Comm)).
  • Instructed in a five-week Commercial Court trial, and multiple interlocutory applications, including relating to disclosure and security for costs (which went to the Court of Appeal) in a Russian oligarch dispute: Danilina v Chernukhin [2018] EWHC 39 (Comm); Danilina v Chernukhin [2019] 1 W.L.R. 758; Danilina v Chernukhin [2018] EWHC 2503 (Comm) and Filatona Trading Ltd v Navigator Equities Ltd [2019] EWHC 173 (Comm).
  • Acted (led by Gordon Pollock KC and Salim Moollan) in Burlington Resources (Irish Sea) Ltd v. Hydrocarbon Resources Ltd, a dispute in the Commercial Court involving issues of contractual construction and rectification.
  • Acted (as sole Counsel) in Integral Petroleum SA v. SCU-Finanz AC & Ors, a jurisdiction challenge in the Commercial Court involving Swiss parties in connection with a dispute concerning oil supplies in Turkmenistan.
  • Acted (led by James Collins KC) in Capita Business Services Ltd & Ors v. Reliance Security Group Ltd, a dispute in the Commercial Court involving allegations of breach of warranty in connection with the sale of a business.
  • Acted (led by Vernon Flynn KC) in Jakob v. Mazur, a dispute involving the registration and enforcement of a freezing injunction in England in Commercial Court proceedings pursuant to Council Regulation (EC) 44/2001 and under Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Order 2001, Schedule 1, paragraph 2.
  • Acted (led by Joe Smouha KC) in proceedings in the Commercial Court concerning the enforcement of a New York Convention arbitration award.
  • Being brought in (led by Vernon Flynn KC) for the purpose of preparing an appeal to the Court of Appeal on behalf of a party contesting jurisdiction and seeking to resist enforcement of an arbitration award falling within the New York Convention.
  • Acted (led by David Foxton KC and Stephen Houseman KC) in JP Morgan Chase Bank plc (2) JP Morgan Securities Ltd v. Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe Anstalt öffentlichen Rechts v. Clifford Chance Partnerschaftsgesellschaft von Rechtsanwälten, Wirtschaftsprüfern, Steuerberatern und Solicitors: an eight-week Commercial Court trial in connection with allegations of misselling of Credit Derivative Obligations. Interlocutory applications included disputes in relation to the specific disclosure of internal investigations and claims to privilege.
  • Acted (led by Paul McGrath KC) in Svenksa Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA (Publ) & ors v. DS Smith Plc, a dispute in the Chancery Division relating to the preparation of Completion Accounts in connection with the sale of a business.
Career
  • 2012: SEC Advanced International Advocacy Course
  • October 2009: became a tenant of Essex Court Chambers following successful completion of pupillage
  • 2008: Call (Gray’s Inn)
  • 2008: three-month internship at UNHCR Somalia (based in Nairobi)
  • 2008: BVC, Inns of Court School of Law
  • 2007: visiting tutor in Constitutional and Administrative Law at King’s College, London
  • 2007: research assistant: The Law of Confidentiality: A Restatement by Paul Stanley
Education
  • 2007: LLM at the University of London (Restitution; Company Law; Comparative Human Rights; The Law relating to Art and Antiquities)
  • 2006: Law BA (Hons) (Law), Cantab, First Class
Awards
  • 2022: Shortlisted (final three) Commercial Litigation Junior of the Year (Chambers Bar Awards)
  • 2017: Shortlisted (final three) Commercial Litigation Junior of the Year (Chambers Bar Awards)
  • 2007:Bedingfield Scholarship, Gray’s Inn
  • 2006:Scholar of Corpus Christi College
  • 2006:Avory Prize for final exam results
  • 2005:Simmons & Simmons Prize for Part 1B results
  • 2004:Winner of the Nicholas Bacon Moot Competition