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Tom Sprange KC provides advocacy and strategic advice in significant, high-value and complex disputes for  a diverse range of clients, including corporations, sovereign states, financial institutions and individuals. A partner in our Trial and Global Disputes practice, Tom acts in a broad array of matters under local, private and public international law.  He is described by his peers as: “Mensa-like intellect with a down-to-earth attitude”, “the best of the best“  “He's just a pleasure to watch, I feel sad for the other side,"  “A-star advocate, he just walks in and understands everything" ,  “a superb advocate”, “class act”, “remarkable,” a “super lawyer,” “a real star,” “fantastic”, “a very sharp legal mind”, “an excellent advocacy choice across dispute resolution forums”, “a sharp intellect" who praise "the precision, energy and tenacity he projects in front of tribunals and judges" “, and highlight his "great cross-examination skills", describing him as “a unique coming together of legal insight, commercial nous and practical living/implementation” and noting that "He is a master cross-examiner with in-depth knowledge of financial and commercial issues."  “He has a magnificent talent in cross-examination“ and that "He is a very good lead advocate but equally adept at managing the team."

Tom has appeared in over 100 cases in the Chancery and King's Bench divisions of the High Court and the Court of Appeal, including cases relating to sovereign immunity, acts of state, conflicts of law, interpretation of contracts, civil fraud, injunctive relief and claims arising from arbitration proceedings.

He has acted as Counsel in more than 300 international arbitrations in the leading arbitration institutes.

He has experience working with clients in numerous sectors, including energy, mining, projects, construction, telecommunications, technology, financial services, real estate, pharmaceuticals, fashion and sports.

Tom is the Managing Partner of the London Office and is a former member of the Firm's Policy Committee.

He is highly ranked in the latest editions of the Chambers Global, Chambers UK, Chambers Europe, Legal 500 UK and Who’s Who of Commercial Arbitration, Asset Recovery and Construction directories for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution, as well as listing for Civil Fraud and Energy in the former. He is described as: “a unique coming together of legal insight, commercial nous and practical living/implementation”,  “a superb advocate”, “class act”, “remarkable,” a “super lawyer,” “a real star,” “fantastic,” “impressive,” “smart, percipient and energetic, ” and “commercially astute and a great lawyer” with sources adding that “his advocacy skills are brilliant” and he has “experience in a range of sectors, including aviation, energy and finance.” and that “he is very responsive, sharp and quick to seize the key issues”, that "He has good, sharp comments at every stage of proceedings and really contributes a lot," "He's smart - he thinks and understands quickly and he's good at forming case strategy." "He is a top-level litigator with years of experience and he is extremely responsive." "He is very effective as arbitration counsel." Sources also say Thomas is a “thoroughbred arbitrator who is incredibly smart, ” a “heavyweight arbitration lawyer” and “technically excellent and very creative, with a strong knowledge base and good problem-solving skills”.  Furthermore, Thomas is said to combine a “Mensa-like intellect with a down-to-earth attitude” and “an unparalleled work ethic and outstanding attention to client needs”; possess “extensive commercial arbitration expertise”; to “not just go the extra yard in defending his client’s position, but the extra mile”; to be an “accomplished solicitor advocate”; "Tom is an extraordinary litigator. He has a sharp intellect from a legal standpoint and is commercially astute." "He is sensible as a solicitor and impressive as an advocate"; "He is an extremely high-quality advocate and his work is very impressive in this space". "An A-star advocate, he just walks in and understands everything". "He is clever, fast, reasonable, logical, knowledgeable, experienced and creative" and has "great cross-examination skills."  "He is so sharp and understands how to bring across difficult and complex issues in a pretty easy and very clear manner."  "He is very knowledgeable and creative in his approach."  "Tom Sprange is not afraid to argue anything but with a certain charm."   "He is a master cross-examiner with in-depth knowledge of financial and commercial issues."  "He is a very good lead advocate but equally adept at managing the team."

Full Bio

Credentials

LL.M., University of New South Wales, with distinction

L.P.A.B. Dip. Law, University of Sydney, Australia

Dubai International Financial Centre Courts

England and Wales

Ireland

Law Society of New South Wales

New South Wales

Ranked for International Arbitration


CHAMBERS EUROPE, 2022

Ranked for International Arbitration, Energy and Fraud


CHAMBERS UK, 2022

Ranked for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution


CHAMBERS GLOBAL, 2022

Ranked for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution


Chambers Global, 2017

Ranked for International Arbitration and London Fraud


Chambers UK, 2017

Ranked for International Arbitration


Chambers Europe, 2017

Ranked for International Arbitration, Dispute Resolution and Civil Fraud


Legal 500 UK, 2017

Ranked for International Arbitration and Commercial Litigation


Who’s Who Legal

Close

Recognition

Ranked for International Arbitration


CHAMBERS EUROPE, 2022

Ranked for International Arbitration, Energy and Fraud


CHAMBERS UK, 2022

Ranked for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution


CHAMBERS GLOBAL, 2022

Ranked for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution


Chambers Global, 2017

Ranked for International Arbitration and London Fraud


Chambers UK, 2017

Ranked for International Arbitration


Chambers Europe, 2017

Ranked for International Arbitration, Dispute Resolution and Civil Fraud


Legal 500 UK, 2017

Ranked for International Arbitration and Commercial Litigation


Who’s Who Legal

News

In the News · Source: The Leadership Enigma

September 19, 2024
Sir Max Hill KC and Tom Sprange KC appear on The Leadership Enigma Podcast

In the News · Source: High Performance with Joe Sprange

July 24, 2024
Tom Sprange KC is interviewed on his career

View all

Matters

Acting for the Republic of Turkey in the largest ever public international law dispute between two sovereigns which involved a $40 billion treaty claim, public and private international law issues and related proceedings in a number of jurisdictions.

English Court proceedings relating to terrorist financing, state attribution and sovereign immunity.

ICSID proceedings involving claims for $3.5 billion arising from claims for expropriation and breaches of national security, acts of terrorism and acts of state.

See more

Close

Matters

Acting for the Republic of Turkey in the largest ever public international law dispute between two sovereigns which involved a $40 billion treaty claim, public and private international law issues and related proceedings in a number of jurisdictions.

English Court proceedings relating to terrorist financing, state attribution and sovereign immunity.

ICSID proceedings involving claims for $3.5 billion arising from claims for expropriation and breaches of national security, acts of terrorism and acts of state.

UNCITRAL proceedings against the Government of India relating to $35 billion claims arising under local and international law.

English Court proceedings relating to a $3.5 billion fraud and enforcement claim including freezing orders and actions in 25 jurisdictions worldwide.

Reficar in English Court proceedings relating to the McDermott restructuring where a $1.3 billion New York Convention Award was extinguished in return for a $900 million equity interest.

English Court proceedings and related appeals with regards to $68 billion sovereign wealth fund and the act of state and one voice doctrines.

Recent English and International Court Experience

TWC Aviation Limited v. SpiceJet Limited [2024] EWHC 721 (Comm)

CB&I UK Ltd. re Chancery Division [2024] EHWC 398 (Ch)

Motorola Solutions Inc. v. Hytera Communications Corp Ltd. King's Bench Division (Commercial Court) [2024] EWHC 149 (Comm)

Jensen v. World Rugby CAS 2023/A/9377

Vedanta Limited and Cairn Energy Limited v. Government of India [2023] PCA Case N 2020-39

Motorola Solutions Inc v Hytera Communications Corp Ltd. King's Bench Division (Commercial Court) [2023] EWHC 2882 (Comm)

Pinewood Technologies Asia Pacific Ltd v Pinewood Technologies Plc King's Bench Division (Technology & Construction Court) [2023] EHWC 2506 (TCC)

Motorola Solutions Inc. v Hytera Communications Corp Ltd. King's Bench Division (Commercial Court) [2023] EWHC 1393 (Comm)

Republic of Iraq v. Republic of Turkey ICC Case 20273/AGF/ZF/AYZ/ELU

Ipek Investment Limited v. Republic of Turkey, ICSID Case No. ARB/18/18

Westwater Resources Inc. v. Republic of Turkey, ICSID Case No. ARB/18/46

Rockhopper Italia S.p.A., Rockhopper Mediterranean Ltd., and Rockhopper Exploration Plc v. Republic of Italy ICSID Case No. ARB/17/14

Motorola Solutions Limited v. Hytera Communications Corp Limited [2022] EWHC 2887 (Comm)

Hashwah v. Qatar National Bank Limited [2023] 2 W.L.R. 815

EVG v. HVF [2022] EWHC (Comm) 1012

Otuska Pharma Co. Limited v. GW Pharma Limited [2022] EWHC 102 (Pat)

Cascade Investments NV v. Republic of Turkey (ICSID Case No. ARB/18/4)

Hexagon Holdings (Cayman) Limited v (1) Dubai International Financial Centre Authority (2) Dubai International Financial Centre Investments LLC [2019] DIFC CFI 013, 2 March 2022

Various Airfinance Leasing Companies v Saudi Arabian Airlines Corp [2021] 12 WLUK 562

World Anti-Doping Agency v. Swimming Australia, Sport Integrity Australia & Shayna Jack CAS 2020/A/7579 / CAS 2020/A/7580

Various Airfinance Leasing Companies v Saudi Arabian Airlines Corp [2021] EWHC 2330 (Comm)

Alta Trading UK Ltd (formerly Arcadia Petroleum Ltd) v Bosworth [2021] 4 W.L.R. 72

Various Airfinance Leasing Companies v Saudi Arabian Airlines Corp [2021] EWHC 2904 (Comm)

Sierra Leone v. SL Mining [2021] EWHC 929 ( Comm)

Shapoorji Pallonji and Co Pvt Ltd v Yumn Limited [2021] EWHC 862 (Comm)

ConocoPhillips v. Chrysaor E&P Limited [2021] 3 WLUK 524

Sierra Leone v. SL Mining [2021] EWHC 286 (Comm)

Motorola Solutions Inc v Hytera Communications Corp Ltd [2021] EWCA Civ 11

Hexagon Holdings (Cayman) Limited v. DIFC [2020] DIFCoA CFI 013/2019

C v. D Ltd and X [2020] EWHC 1283 (Comm)

Mohamed v. Breish [2020] EWCA Civ 637

Motorola Solutions Inc v Hytera Communications Corp Ltd [2020] EWHC 980 (Comm)

National Bank of Kazakhstan v Bank of New York Mellon SA/NV London Branch [2020] EWHC 916 (Comm)

Hexagon Holdings (Cayman) Limited v. DIFC [2019] DIFC CFI 013

Mohamed v. Breish [2020] EWHC 696 (Comm)

Tsareva v Ananyev [2019] EWHC 2414 (Comm)

Mohamed v Breish [2019] EWHC 1765 (Comm)

Chung v Silver Dry Bulk Co Ltd [2019] EWHC 1479 (Comm)

National Bank of Kazakhstan v Bank of New York Mellon SA/NV [2018] EWHC 3282 (Comm)

Stati v Kazakhstan [2018] EWCA Civ 1896

Montvale Invest Ltd (In Liquidation) v Terra Raf Trans Traiding Ltd [2018] EWHC 1507 (Ch)

Stati v Kazakhstan [2018] EWHC 1130 (Comm)

Monde Petroleum SA v Westernzagros [2018] EWCA Civ 25

Bank and Clients Plc v King [2017] EWHC 3099 (Comm)

Arcadia Energy Petroleum Ltd v Bosworth [2017] EWHC 3160 (Comm)

Stati v Kazakhstan [2017] EWHC 1348 (Comm)

Silver Dry Bulk Co Ltd v Homer Hulbert Maritime Co Ltd [2017] EWHC 44 (Comm)

Insights

Article · Source: Chambers and Partners

July 18, 2024
Power Generation, Transmission & Distribution 2024: UK

Article · Source: Chambers International Arbitration 2023 Global Practice Guide

September 22, 2023
UK: Trends and Developments

Article · Source: International Comparative Legal Guides

September 18, 2023
International Arbitration 2023: England & Wales

View all

News

In the News · Source: The Leadership Enigma

September 19, 2024
Sir Max Hill KC and Tom Sprange KC appear on The Leadership Enigma Podcast

In the News · Source: High Performance with Joe Sprange

July 24, 2024
Tom Sprange KC is interviewed on his career

View all

Matters

Acting for the Republic of Turkey in the largest ever public international law dispute between two sovereigns which involved a $40 billion treaty claim, public and private international law issues and related proceedings in a number of jurisdictions.

English Court proceedings relating to terrorist financing, state attribution and sovereign immunity.

ICSID proceedings involving claims for $3.5 billion arising from claims for expropriation and breaches of national security, acts of terrorism and acts of state.

See more

Close

Matters

Acting for the Republic of Turkey in the largest ever public international law dispute between two sovereigns which involved a $40 billion treaty claim, public and private international law issues and related proceedings in a number of jurisdictions.

English Court proceedings relating to terrorist financing, state attribution and sovereign immunity.

ICSID proceedings involving claims for $3.5 billion arising from claims for expropriation and breaches of national security, acts of terrorism and acts of state.

UNCITRAL proceedings against the Government of India relating to $35 billion claims arising under local and international law.

English Court proceedings relating to a $3.5 billion fraud and enforcement claim including freezing orders and actions in 25 jurisdictions worldwide.

Reficar in English Court proceedings relating to the McDermott restructuring where a $1.3 billion New York Convention Award was extinguished in return for a $900 million equity interest.

English Court proceedings and related appeals with regards to $68 billion sovereign wealth fund and the act of state and one voice doctrines.

Recent English and International Court Experience

TWC Aviation Limited v. SpiceJet Limited [2024] EWHC 721 (Comm)

CB&I UK Ltd. re Chancery Division [2024] EHWC 398 (Ch)

Motorola Solutions Inc. v. Hytera Communications Corp Ltd. King's Bench Division (Commercial Court) [2024] EWHC 149 (Comm)

Jensen v. World Rugby CAS 2023/A/9377

Vedanta Limited and Cairn Energy Limited v. Government of India [2023] PCA Case N 2020-39

Motorola Solutions Inc v Hytera Communications Corp Ltd. King's Bench Division (Commercial Court) [2023] EWHC 2882 (Comm)

Pinewood Technologies Asia Pacific Ltd v Pinewood Technologies Plc King's Bench Division (Technology & Construction Court) [2023] EHWC 2506 (TCC)

Motorola Solutions Inc. v Hytera Communications Corp Ltd. King's Bench Division (Commercial Court) [2023] EWHC 1393 (Comm)

Republic of Iraq v. Republic of Turkey ICC Case 20273/AGF/ZF/AYZ/ELU

Ipek Investment Limited v. Republic of Turkey, ICSID Case No. ARB/18/18

Westwater Resources Inc. v. Republic of Turkey, ICSID Case No. ARB/18/46

Rockhopper Italia S.p.A., Rockhopper Mediterranean Ltd., and Rockhopper Exploration Plc v. Republic of Italy ICSID Case No. ARB/17/14

Motorola Solutions Limited v. Hytera Communications Corp Limited [2022] EWHC 2887 (Comm)

Hashwah v. Qatar National Bank Limited [2023] 2 W.L.R. 815

EVG v. HVF [2022] EWHC (Comm) 1012

Otuska Pharma Co. Limited v. GW Pharma Limited [2022] EWHC 102 (Pat)

Cascade Investments NV v. Republic of Turkey (ICSID Case No. ARB/18/4)

Hexagon Holdings (Cayman) Limited v (1) Dubai International Financial Centre Authority (2) Dubai International Financial Centre Investments LLC [2019] DIFC CFI 013, 2 March 2022

Various Airfinance Leasing Companies v Saudi Arabian Airlines Corp [2021] 12 WLUK 562

World Anti-Doping Agency v. Swimming Australia, Sport Integrity Australia & Shayna Jack CAS 2020/A/7579 / CAS 2020/A/7580

Various Airfinance Leasing Companies v Saudi Arabian Airlines Corp [2021] EWHC 2330 (Comm)

Alta Trading UK Ltd (formerly Arcadia Petroleum Ltd) v Bosworth [2021] 4 W.L.R. 72

Various Airfinance Leasing Companies v Saudi Arabian Airlines Corp [2021] EWHC 2904 (Comm)

Sierra Leone v. SL Mining [2021] EWHC 929 ( Comm)

Shapoorji Pallonji and Co Pvt Ltd v Yumn Limited [2021] EWHC 862 (Comm)

ConocoPhillips v. Chrysaor E&P Limited [2021] 3 WLUK 524

Sierra Leone v. SL Mining [2021] EWHC 286 (Comm)

Motorola Solutions Inc v Hytera Communications Corp Ltd [2021] EWCA Civ 11

Hexagon Holdings (Cayman) Limited v. DIFC [2020] DIFCoA CFI 013/2019

C v. D Ltd and X [2020] EWHC 1283 (Comm)

Mohamed v. Breish [2020] EWCA Civ 637

Motorola Solutions Inc v Hytera Communications Corp Ltd [2020] EWHC 980 (Comm)

National Bank of Kazakhstan v Bank of New York Mellon SA/NV London Branch [2020] EWHC 916 (Comm)

Hexagon Holdings (Cayman) Limited v. DIFC [2019] DIFC CFI 013

Mohamed v. Breish [2020] EWHC 696 (Comm)

Tsareva v Ananyev [2019] EWHC 2414 (Comm)

Mohamed v Breish [2019] EWHC 1765 (Comm)

Chung v Silver Dry Bulk Co Ltd [2019] EWHC 1479 (Comm)

National Bank of Kazakhstan v Bank of New York Mellon SA/NV [2018] EWHC 3282 (Comm)

Stati v Kazakhstan [2018] EWCA Civ 1896

Montvale Invest Ltd (In Liquidation) v Terra Raf Trans Traiding Ltd [2018] EWHC 1507 (Ch)

Stati v Kazakhstan [2018] EWHC 1130 (Comm)

Monde Petroleum SA v Westernzagros [2018] EWCA Civ 25

Bank and Clients Plc v King [2017] EWHC 3099 (Comm)

Arcadia Energy Petroleum Ltd v Bosworth [2017] EWHC 3160 (Comm)

Stati v Kazakhstan [2017] EWHC 1348 (Comm)

Silver Dry Bulk Co Ltd v Homer Hulbert Maritime Co Ltd [2017] EWHC 44 (Comm)

Insights

Article · Source: Chambers and Partners

July 18, 2024
Power Generation, Transmission & Distribution 2024: UK

Article · Source: Chambers International Arbitration 2023 Global Practice Guide

September 22, 2023
UK: Trends and Developments

Article · Source: International Comparative Legal Guides

September 18, 2023
International Arbitration 2023: England & Wales

View all

News

In the News · Source: The Leadership Enigma

September 19, 2024
Sir Max Hill KC and Tom Sprange KC appear on The Leadership Enigma Podcast

In the News · Source: High Performance with Joe Sprange

July 24, 2024
Tom Sprange KC is interviewed on his career

View all

Credentials

LL.M., University of New South Wales, with distinction

L.P.A.B. Dip. Law, University of Sydney, Australia

Dubai International Financial Centre Courts

England and Wales

Ireland

Law Society of New South Wales

New South Wales

Ranked for International Arbitration


CHAMBERS EUROPE, 2022

Ranked for International Arbitration, Energy and Fraud


CHAMBERS UK, 2022

Ranked for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution


CHAMBERS GLOBAL, 2022

Ranked for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution


Chambers Global, 2017

Ranked for International Arbitration and London Fraud


Chambers UK, 2017

Ranked for International Arbitration


Chambers Europe, 2017

Ranked for International Arbitration, Dispute Resolution and Civil Fraud


Legal 500 UK, 2017

Ranked for International Arbitration and Commercial Litigation


Who’s Who Legal

Close

Recognition

Ranked for International Arbitration


CHAMBERS EUROPE, 2022

Ranked for International Arbitration, Energy and Fraud


CHAMBERS UK, 2022

Ranked for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution


CHAMBERS GLOBAL, 2022

Ranked for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution


Chambers Global, 2017

Ranked for International Arbitration and London Fraud


Chambers UK, 2017

Ranked for International Arbitration


Chambers Europe, 2017

Ranked for International Arbitration, Dispute Resolution and Civil Fraud


Legal 500 UK, 2017

Ranked for International Arbitration and Commercial Litigation


Who’s Who Legal