Tom read History at Jesus College, Cambridge where he gained a First. After graduating he worked in the Credit Exotics and Hybrids Operations Division at JP Morgan Chase, dealing with credit derivatives and interest rate swaps. He subsequently completed the CPE (Distinction) at City University and the BVC (Outstanding) at BPP Law School, winning the Hardwicke, Lord Brougham, Lord Denning and Megarry Scholarships from Lincoln's Inn in the process. He was awarded the Buchanan Prize by Lincoln's Inn for Outstanding Performance on the BVC.

During pupillage Tom was supervised by Ben Elkington, Graham Chapman and Neil Hext. He gained wide experience of drafting and advising in matters involving insurance, professional liability, commercial litigation and construction law. Matters in which Tom assisted during pupillage include:

• Advising a firm of stockbrokers and investment managers based in Guernsey in a claim concerning the closing out of contracts for difference.
• Advising a firm of specialist contractors on coverage issues under its professional indemnity liability policy.
• The trial of the preliminary issues in a claim in which an insurer sought to avoid cover. The trial dealt with issues of material non-disclosure, inducement, incorporation of terms and waiver.
• A claim by the trustee of an Enterprise Zone Property Unit Trust arising out of the valuation of a commercial premises.
• Advising an insurer on whether an insured’s notification of circumstances was effective under the terms of a professional indemnity policy.
• A claim concerning the design and construction of the foundations of a housing development.

Since commencing practice Tom has gained High Court and County Court experience, regularly appearing in a wide range of trials, appeals and interim applications. He is regularly instructed on behalf of major retail banks and lenders in relation to mortgage disputes and the enforcement of loan agreements under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. A substantial part of Tom’s advisory and drafting work involves the sale of goods and the supply of goods and services. He accepts instructions in all areas of Chambers’ work.