LAWYER PROFILE

William Thomas KC

UK 2026

Freshfields

Ranked in 2 practice areas

Public International Law

UK-wide

4 years ranked

International Arbitration

UK-wide

7 years ranked

About

Provided by Freshfields

Practice Areas

Will specialises in international commercial arbitration, investment arbitration and public international law, and has particular expertise in the extractives, TMT and projects sectors. He has represented parties, as counsel and advocate, in numerous institutional and ad hoc arbitral proceedings, including before ICC, LCIA, CAS, ICSID and UNCITRAL tribunals. Will has also acted for parties in proceedings before the International Court of Justice, the Iran-US Claims Tribunal and the European Court of Human Rights.

Career

Will holds a degree from the University of Cambridge, and is an English solicitor-advocate and King’s Counsel (KC). He has lectured regularly on international law at King’s College, London and Sciences Po, Paris. Will is also a CEDR-accredited mediator.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession

Public International Law - UK-wide

Band 1

Individual Editorial

William Thomas KC is head of the firm's PIL disputes, litigation and arbitration group. He has a broad PIL practice with a strong focus on Middle Eastern jurisdictions. He exhibits considerable strength in matters concerning the Law of the Sea and boundary disputes, and also has significant experience appearing before the ICJ.

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International Arbitration - UK-wide

Band 2

Individual Editorial

William Thomas KC's arbitration practice includes complex disputes arising from the telecoms industry. He expertly acts for both claimants and sovereign states in big-ticket BIT disputes.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

William is very attentive and engages in deep legal discussions profoundly.
Public International LawChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
He also has a very good manner with clients.
Public International LawChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
William is very service-oriented.
Public International LawChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
William is very commercially savvy and a great team leader.
International ArbitrationChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
William provided great strategic insight, flair and advocacy.
International ArbitrationChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
William is switched on to all of the strategically important elements of a case and is able to offer solutions.
International ArbitrationChambers Guide to the Legal Profession