Rhys Thomas has assisted clients in resolving complex, international disputes for more than 20 years through litigation, arbitration, and mediation. He has advised multinational corporations, private equity firms, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) on high-stakes disputes, invariably having a cross-border dimension. The Legal 500 describes him as "startlingly bright, hard working but thoroughly down to earth" and "an extremely talented lawyer, absolutely expert in leading a team through very difficult disputes." Chambers UK notes that Rhys "fearlessly fights for his clients."
Rhys frequently represents clients in substantial shareholder, investor, and joint venture disputes and breach of warranty claims, as well as fraud proceedings and asset tracing, often involving emergency injunctive relief. He has in-depth experience in complex jurisdictional and choice of law disputes, having achieved success in a number of reported cases in those areas.
Rhys also has a particular focus on the technology sector and has substantial experience advising on disputes and investigations arising out of complex IT projects, as well as contentious cybersecurity issues and cyber fraud. Rhys has served secondments at two of the world's leading technology services companies.
Representative recent matters include successfully advising an international hotel group on a series of connected London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) disputes arising from a €300M hotel portfolio divestment; a global technology services company in claims under a infrastructure services contract valued at more than $500 million; and the defense of a $150 million fraud claim relating to a substantial technology investment.
Experience
"Rhys is really superb. He knows how to get the right result for the client."Chambers UK
- Trinity College, Cambridge University (M.A. in Law with first class honours 2000); Nottingham Law School (Legal Practice Course with distinction 2001)
- Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales
Legal 500 UK — commercial litigation: premium; international arbitration
Chambers UK — corporate and commercial litigation; information technology and outsourcing
Chambers Global — corporate and commercial litigation
Who's Who Legal — commercial litigation: future leader
- Welsh