Tom Goodhead
Pogust GoodheadSpecialising in environmental claims, Pogust Goodhead represents large groups of claimants against organisations, with particular expertise in claims originating from Brazil. The team specialises in the human rights and civil liberties space, as well as handling cases related to technology, consumer products and GDPR breaches. Tom Goodhead plays a lead role in large group litigations, with particular expertise representing claimants in environmental claims. An expert in collective redress, Guy Robson brings High Court and Court of Appeal experience and international expertise to the team. Lisa Lunt heads the medical product liability team, leading on medical products group claims and supported by Georgina Power, Sunila Masih and Sarah Samuel. Pete Gallagher leads the emissions department, handling large-scale group litigation against various vehicle manufacturers. Christopher Neill and Jeremy Evans are also names to note.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is very international. It is very inspiring to find lawyers from so many different legal backgrounds in one firm. This international mindset sets the basis for thinking out of the box solutions. The team is very responsive and – if required – is able to tackle tasks under time pressure. Due the large number of clients in their cases, they are able to tackle organisational tasks using innovative technology.’
‘Tom Goodhead: knowledgeable, responsive and pragmatic. He can be relied upon to find practical solutions to very complex legal challenges. He runs a great team and is able to build bridges for lawyers from different jurisdictions.’
‘The team is led by the charismatic and visionary CEO, Tom Goodhead, with a 'disruptor' ethos and a determination to shake up the legal market. Recent hires have continued a trend of recruiting from well-established City firms to add experience to the start-up zeal. They have unrivalled expertise in South American legal affairs of any firm operating in London; and their expansion to Holland and Australia is broadening their international reach still further.’
‘Tom Goodhead - fantastically clever CEO and inspiration behind the firm's expansion. Tom Ainsworth - nothing slips off Tom's radar. A real details man and an excellent sergeant major for complex commercial litigation.’
‘Pogust Goodhead outperforms its rivals and has deservedly made a name for itself. The team is ambitious, embraces the opportunity to take on precedent setting litigation, and pursues their client’s interests fearlessly. They are a powerhouse when it comes to group litigation, obtaining excellent results both in and out of court.’
‘Tom Goodhead really knows his stuff, and his drive to secure the best results for his clients is unparalleled.'
- 'Tony Winterburn is a safe pair of hands: his practical approach to litigation achieves excellent results for his clients and he is a pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
- Municipio de Mariana and over 700,000 other individuals and businesses in Brazil as part of the litigation against BHP
- M. R. F. da S. & Ors v Braskem & Ors (“Braskem”)
- The Municipality of Brumadinho & Ors.v TÜV SÜD AG (“Brumadinho”)
- Flavio de Carvalho Pinto Viegas & Ors (“OJ”)
- Cainquiama & Ors.v Norsk Hydro Group (“Norsk Hydro Group”)
- Stichting Rio Doce – 77k individuals, circa 1k businesses, 20 churches, plus 7 municipalities vs. Vale S.A. and others.
- Over 45,000 individuals and businesses who owned/leased or otherwise acquired a Volkswagen, SEAT, Skoda, Audi or Porsche diesel vehicle in the Volkswagen NOx Emissions Group Litigation (No. 2)
- Over 280,000 individuals and businesses who owned/leased or otherwise acquired a Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz NOx Emissions Group Litigation
- Over 199,000 individuals and businesses who have purchased, leased or otherwise acquired a Vauxhall/Opel diesel vehicle, manufactured and/or supplied by Vauxhall /Opel in the Vauxhall NOx Emissions Group Litigation
- Over 179,000 individuals and businesses who have purchased, leased or otherwise acquired a Peugeot/Citroen diesel vehicle, manufactured and/or supplied by Peugeot/Citroen in the Peugeot/Citroen/DS NOx Emissions Group Litigation
- Over 40,000 individuals and businesses who have purchased, leased or otherwise acquired a Fiat Chrysler and/or Suzuki diesel vehicle, manufactured and/or supplied by Fiat/Chrysler or Suzuki in the Fiat/Chrysler/Suzuki NOx Emissions Group Litigation
- Over 115,000 individuals and businesses who have purchased, leased or otherwise acquired a Jaguar or Land Rover diesel vehicle, manufactured and/or supplied by Jaguar Land Rover in the Jaguar Land Rover NOx Emissions Group Litigation
- Over 210,000 individuals and businesses who have purchased, leased or otherwise acquired a Renault or Nissan diesel vehicle, manufactured and/or supplied by Renault/Nissan in the Renault/Nissan NOx Emissions Group Litigation
- Over 230,000 individuals and businesses who have purchased, leased or otherwise acquired a BMW diesel vehicle, manufactured and/or supplied by BMW in the BMW NOx Emissions Group Litigation
- Over 249,000 individuals and businesses who have purchased, leased or otherwise acquired a Ford diesel vehicle, manufactured and/or supplied by Ford in the Ford NOx Emissions Group Litigation
- Over 40,000 individuals and businesses who have purchased, leased or otherwise acquired a Volvo diesel vehicle, manufactured and/or supplied by Volvo in the Volvo NOx Emissions Group Litigation
- Over 12,000 individuals and businesses who have purchased, leased or otherwise acquired a Mazda diesel vehicle, manufactured and/or supplied by Mazda in the Mazda NOx Emissions Group Litigation
- Over 17,000 individuals and businesses who have purchased, leased or otherwise acquired a Toyota diesel vehicle, manufactured and/or supplied by Toyota in the Toyota NOx Emissions Group Litigation
- Over 96,000 individuals and businesses who have purchased, leased or otherwise acquired a Hyundai or Kia diesel vehicle, manufactured and/or supplied by Hyundai/Kia in the Hyundai/Kia NOx Emissions Group Litigation
Work highlights
- Representing over 700,000 claimants in a litigation against two entities of the BHP group, related to the 2015 ‘Fundão Dam collapse’ in Southeast Brazil.
- Issued proceedings against Braskem S.A. and its Dutch subsidiaries over socio-environmental destruction (including an earthquake) caused by its mining activities in Brazil.
- Instructed by hundreds of thousands of individuals and businesses who owned, leased or otherwise acquired diesel vehicles in their claims against almost every major car manufacturer, associated finance entities and authorised dealerships (Pan-NOx Emissions Group Litigation or “Dieselgate”).
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Christopher Neill
Pogust GoodheadNext Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Pete Gallagher
Pogust GoodheadPractice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Tom Goodhead