Before coming to the Bar, Thomas worked as a police station representative, and he has implemented the invaluable experience of advising clients in this pressurised situation across the rest of his practice, developing an empathetic, yet pragmatic approach. Thomas regularly teaches advocacy at Lincoln's Inn and recently contributed to an article in the Solicitors Journal on the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008. A tenacious advocate and seasoned negotiator, Thomas practises in the following specialist areas:

Family

Thomas accepts instructions in all aspects of private and public law children matters, and has acted for guardians and parents through to final hearing. He has represented clients with severe mental health conditions and dealt with complex issues arising out of drug and alcohol abuse. He also accepts instructions in ancillary relief proceedings.

Housing and Local Government Law

Thomas has been instructed in possession proceedings through to appellate level on behalf of local authorities and has co-devised and delivered a course for housing officers in this area. Thomas has extensive experience in anti-social behaviour cases, both on behalf of the local authority and for defendants, recently successfully applying for the first closure order to be made in West Sussex on the basis of anti-social behaviour.

Crime and Statutory Regulation

Thomas has prosecuted and defended at all levels. Cases of note include the successful defence of a teenage boy accused of sexually assaulting two girls and the representation of a defendant who became unfit to stand trial following the deterioration of his mental state after pleas had been entered.