Biography

Thomas acts for the Commonwealth Government, state and territory governments, and private sector clients in complex civil and commercial litigation, administrative review proceedings, international and domestic arbitration, and class actions. His  practice includes advising and acting in capability acquisition and sustainment disputes, and construction disputes, for Defence and other Commonwealth clients.

Thomas advises on and manages disputes arising from procurement, contracting and contract administration, Defence capability acquisition and sustainment, construction and infrastructure, public and administrative law, energy and resources, and IT/ICT/digital/cyber matters. He has appeared in the Australian and English High Courts, the Federal Court, State and Territory Supreme Courts, and in international arbitrations under LCIA, ICC, LMAA, ACICA, ICSID, Resolution Institute and ad hoc rules. He is Chair of the ACT Committee of the Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA).

Thomas has over a decade of experience acting in administrative, civil and commercial litigation across Australian and international jurisdictions, including the English High Court and Court of Appeal. His international arbitration practice spans proceedings under the rules of major institutions across multiple seats and sectors. He acts in major Defence disputes as well as commercial and government construction and procurement proceedings.

Thomas is Chair of the ACT Committee of ACICA, reflecting his standing in the arbitration community. His combined expertise in defence procurement disputes, international arbitration, construction and public law litigation makes him one of the few lawyers capable of advising government and commercial clients across this full spectrum of complex dispute types. His experience in both Australian and English jurisdictions, including appellate courts, demonstrates the range and depth of his litigation practice.

Credentials

Academic qualifications:

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) / Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) (Macquarie University)
• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (The College of Law)
  

Memberships:

• ACT Law Society
• Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA) – Chair, ACT Committee (2022 to present)
• ACICA45 (2015 to present)
• Young International Council for Commercial Arbitration (2015 to present)
  Minds Count Foundation (formerly the Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation) – Director (2011-2025)
  

Thomas' experience

Defence capability acquisition and sustainment disputes

Acts for Commonwealth Government clients in disputes arising from Defence capability acquisition and sustainment programs, and construction/facilities programs, including claims during contract administration, termination/closure, and where breaches or defects are identified post-termination.

International commercial arbitration

Acts for Commonwealth Government and private sector clients in international and domestic commercial and investor-state arbitrations, including under LCIA, ICC, LMAA, ACICA, ICSID, Resolution Institute and ad hoc rules.

Construction and infrastructure disputes

Acts in construction and infrastructure disputes, including major project claims, contract administration disputes, expert determinations, settlement negotiations, mediation, arbitration and litigation.

Public and administrative law litigation

Acts in civil and administrative review proceedings in the Federal Court and State and Territory Supreme Courts, including for Commonwealth Government clients.

Class actions

Acts in class action proceedings for commercial and government clients.