JUNIOR PROFILE

Tom Shepherd

UK Bar 2026

4 New Square Chambers

Ranked in 4 practice areas

Professional Negligence

London (Bar)

4 years ranked

Chancery: Commercial

London (Bar)

9 years ranked

Restructuring/Insolvency

London (Bar)

13 years ranked

Commercial Dispute Resolution

London (Bar)

2 years ranked

About

Provided by 4 New Square Chambers

UK Bar

Practice Areas

Tom is ranked as a leading junior in the fields of (i) Commercial/Chancery litigation, (ii) Restructuring/Insolvency and (iii) Professional Liability. His cases often have a fraud angle and he has experience of Company, Partnership and Financial Services disputes. Renowned for his ferocious appetite for work and unrelenting pursuit of the best possible outcome for his clients. Experienced trial advocate who is not afraid to back his judgment and take cases to trial where necessary. Valued team player who also frequently appears in his own right in the Court of Appeal, High Court and before professional regulatory panels. Key cases during 2023 include a £50m+ fraud claim arising out of the PIP breast implant litigation, a £120m+ claim relating to the sale of a tech ‘unicorn’ and a £60m+ claim on an alleged failed property investment scheme.

Career

2008: Called to the Bar

2021: Attorney General’s A Panel

2021: Appointed as a Recorder (South Eastern Circuit: Civil)

2006: LLB, Law and French, First Class Honours: University of Bristol

2007: BCL: St Hugh’s College, Oxford.

2008: BVC: Outstanding (ranked 8th overall in year), BPP Law School. Lord Denning Scholar: Lincoln’s Inn.

2009: Eastham Scholar: Lincoln’s Inn

Winner of numerous undergraduate prizes/competitions, including the English Speaking Union National Mooting Competition, the University of Bristol Mooting Competition and Contract Law prize.

Professional Memberships

COMBAR ChBA

Personal

Tom is a keen sportsman who enjoys playing and coaching cricket (ECB Level 2 coach), golf, squash and skiing. Parent governor of a local primary school. He is married with three children.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

UK Bar

Professional Negligence - London (Bar)

Band 2

Individual Editorial

Tom Shepherd is an impressive barrister who has acted in substantial professional negligence claims brought against solicitors, auditors, tax advisers and others. His work frequently focuses on claims arising from insolvency matters and failed tax avoidance schemes.

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Restructuring/Insolvency - London (Bar)

Band 4

Individual Editorial

Tom Shepherd possesses a wealth of experience advising on multimillion-pound deals, both in the UK and further afield. He offers expertise in both corporate and personal insolvency cases and exhibits particular strength in matters involving a fraud element. His practice also includes expertise defending and acting in claims against insolvency practitioners. He is regularly instructed to act on behalf of HMRC, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and other government departments.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Tom Shepherd is a demon at cross-examination. He is excellent on his feet: a robust advocate who fights for his clients.
Professional NegligenceUK Bar
Tom Shepherd is incredibly adept and commercial when advising on complex regulatory matters. He handled the hearing with aplomb.
Professional NegligenceUK Bar
Tom Shepherd is very effective as he is able to make points concisely and make quick concessions.
Professional NegligenceUK Bar
Tom is first class in all respects.
Restructuring/InsolvencyUK Bar
He is very thorough, supportive and acutely aware of the commercial issues.
Restructuring/InsolvencyUK Bar
Tom Shepherd is utterly reliable in tricky situations. A fearless, strong and effective advocate, he is always willing to fight for the client.
Chancery: CommercialUK Bar