Tom Sprange KC provides advocacy and strategic advice in significant, high-value and complex disputes for a diverse range of clients, including corporations, sovereign states, financial institutions and individuals. A partner in our Trial and Global Disputes practice, Tom acts in a broad array of disputes under local, private and public international law. He is described by his peers as: “Mensa-like intellect with a down-to-earth attitude”, “A-star advocate, he just walks in and understands everything” , “a superb advocate”, “class act”, “remarkable,” a “super lawyer,” “a real star,” “fantastic”, “a very sharp legal mind”, “an excellent advocacy choice across dispute resolution forums”, “a sharp intellect” who praise “the precision, energy and tenacity he projects in front of tribunals and judges” “, and highlight his “great cross-examination skills”, describing him as “a unique coming together of legal insight, commercial nous and practical living/implementation”
Tom has appeared in over 75 cases in the Chancery and Queens Bench divisions of the High Court and the Court of Appeal in a broad array of disputes. He has particular expertise in cases relating to sovereign immunity, acts of state, conflicts of law, interpretation of contracts, civil fraud, injunctive relief and claims arising from arbitration proceedings.
Tom has acted as counsel in more than 250 international arbitrations in the leading arbitration institutes, including the International Chamber of Commerce, London Court of International Arbitration, American Arbitration Association, Stockholm Chamber of Commerce the Court of Arbitration for Sport and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes. He also regularly sits as an arbitrator.
He has experience working with clients in numerous sectors, including energy, mining, projects, construction, telecommunications, technology, financial services, real estate, pharmaceuticals, fashion and sports.
Tom is the Managing Partner of the London Office and is a member of the Firm’s Policy Committee.
He is highly ranked in the latest editions of the Chambers Global, Chambers UK, Chambers Europe, Legal 500 UK and Who’s Who of Commercial Arbitration, Asset Recovery and Construction directories for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution, as well as listing for Civil Fraud and Energy in the former. He is described as: “a unique coming together of legal insight, commercial nous and practical living/implementation”, “a superb advocate”, “class act”, “remarkable,” a “super lawyer,” “a real star,” “fantastic,” “impressive,” “smart, percipient and energetic, ” and “commercially astute and a great lawyer” with sources adding that “his advocacy skills are brilliant” and he has “experience in a range of sectors, including aviation, energy and finance.” and that “he is very responsive, sharp and quick to seize the key issues”, that “He has good, sharp comments at every stage of proceedings and really contributes a lot,” “He’s smart – he thinks and understands quickly and he’s good at forming case strategy.” “He is a top-level litigator with years of experience and he is extremely responsive.” “He is very effective as arbitration counsel.” Sources also say Thomas is a “thoroughbred arbitrator who is incredibly smart, ” a “heavyweight arbitration lawyer” and “technically excellent and very creative, with a strong knowledge base and good problem-solving skills”. Furthermore, Thomas is said to combine a “Mensa-like intellect with a down-to-earth attitude” and “an unparalleled work ethic and outstanding attention to client needs”; possess “extensive commercial arbitration expertise”; to “not just go the extra yard in defending his client’s position, but the extra mile”; to be an “accomplished solicitor advocate”; “Tom is an extraordinary litigator. He has a sharp intellect from a legal standpoint and is commercially astute.” “He is sensible as a solicitor and impressive as an advocate”; “He is an extremely high-quality advocate and his work is very impressive in this space”. “An A-star advocate, he just walks in and understands everything”. “He is clever, fast, reasonable, logical, knowledgeable, experienced and creative” and has “great cross-examination skills.”
