Introduction

Prior to joining chambers, Tom was a barrister in New Zealand, practising mainly in divorce, wills & trusts. He gathered extensive experience quickly, frequently appearing in the District Court, Family Court and the High Court of New Zealand. He also drafted written submissions in the New Zealand Court of Appeal.

Tom started practising in England in 2019 and has quickly built himself a Family Property and Private Client practice. He specialises in financial remedies, co-habitation, wills, probate, trusts (especially in matrimonial settings), Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989, Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 and the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. He has particular experience in cases involving intervenors claiming beneficial interests under TOLATA in financial remedy proceedings. 

Tom is also available to be instructed as a Private FDR judge.

In England, Tom has frequently appeared in the Family Court, County Court & High Court and has drafted written submissions in the Civil Division of the Court of Appeal.

Due to completing his Master of Laws (LLM) there in 2019, Tom has a strong relationship with King’s College London. He provides multiple pro bono annual workshops for law students, including workshops for witness handling and mooting skills.

Keen to give back to the next generation, Tom is the proud founder and funder of the Gilchrist Grant. The Grant consists of cash grants awarded annually to students from King’s College London who seek to pursue a career at the Bar.

Tom also volunteers for the Chancery Bar Litigant in Person Support Scheme ('CLIPS'), providing on the day pro bono advocacy representation to litigants in person in application courts. He also is a committee member of the Inner Temple Junior Bar Association, representing barristers under 7 year's call.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Laws with Honours – University of Otago, New Zealand

Bachelor of Arts, History Major – University of Otago, New Zealand

Professional Legal Studies Course – Institute of Professional Legal Studies, New Zealand

Bar Transfer Test – BPP University Holborn

Master of Laws – King’s College London

Memberships

Honourable Society of the Inner Temple

Inner Temple Junior Bar Association

Chancery Bar Assocaitaion 

Family Law Bar Association 

GDPR Notice

Tom's GDPR notice can be found here.