Field Seymour Parkes LLP

Tom is a Partner in the Dispute Resolution and Litigation team.

Tom specialises in commercial dispute resolution and is experienced in advising commercial clients in a broad range of industry sectors.

Tom has particular expertise in the Automotive and FMCG Sectors, and heads up our automotive team. Tom’s clients include international vehicle manufacturers, international suppliers to national supermarket chains, national parts suppliers, national and national and international produce suppliers and fleet hire companies.

Since the introduction of the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (GSCOP), Tom has advised a number of clients of their rights against retailers under GSCOP as well as advising on the enforceability of contractual terms regularly used by retailers in supply agreements. Tom is also in the privileged position of taking a case to arbitration under the Dispute Resolution procedure available to suppliers in the event that a retailer breaches their rights under GSCOP.

As well as advising his automotive clients on a variety of legal issues, Tom regularly gives training to his automotive clients on how to manage risk and resolve disputes (Tom has recently advised on matters pertaining to the changes to the law of termination in light of the Covid-19 pandemic).

Tom’s broader commercial litigation practice involves advising on breach of warranty claims, s. 994 minority shareholder claims, partnership disputes, breach of contract and negligence claims.

Tom’s recent cases include:

• Acting for a large supplier in a multi million pound arbitration under GSCOP.
• Advising an international vehicle manufacturer on a c. £2m breach of contract claim under a sponsorship agreement.
• Defending on a £20m breach of warranty claim brought by a Canadian venture capital fund.
• Advising a recycling company and its insurer client in a multi million pound negligence claim.

Tom began his legal career at Lawrence Graham in London and joined FSP in 2013 from Henmans LLP in Oxford.