People
Partner
Trial and Global Disputes
/ International Arbitration and Litigation
Tom Sprange QC provides advocacy and strategic advice in significant, high-value and complex disputes. A partner in our Trial and Global Disputes practice, Tom acts in a wide range of disputes under local, private and public international law. He is described by his peers 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”, “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 describe him as an “A-star advocate, he just walks in and understands everything."
Tom frequently appears in the Chancery and Queens Bench divisions of the High Court and the Court of Appeal in England and in the DIFC in a broad array of disputes.
Tom has acted as counsel in more than 200 international arbitrations in the leading arbitration institutes, including the International Chamber of Commerce, London Court of International Arbitration, American Arbitration Association, Stockholm Chamber of Commerce and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes. He also regularly sits as an arbitrator.
He has experience working with clients in numerous sectors, including energy, mining, projects, telecommunications, technology, financial services, real estate, pharmaceuticals, fashion and sports.
Tom is the Managing Partner of the London Office.
He is 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. 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”. 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".
LL.M., University of New South Wales, with distinction
L.P.A.B. Dip. Law, University of Sydney, Australia
England and Wales
Law Society of New South Wales
March 18, 2021
Chambers Europe Again Ranks King & Spalding Among Top International Law Firms in its 2021 Guide
February 19, 2021
Chambers Global Again Recognizes King & Spalding as a Leading International Law Firm
ICSID proceedings involving claims for $2 billion arising from claims for expropriation and breaches of national security, acts of terrorism and acts of state.
An ICC arbitration regarding a $35 billion Treaty dispute between two sovereign states relating to oil and gas transportation rights.
Commercial Court proceedings relating to a $2.5 billion fraud and enforcement claim including freezing orders and actions in 25 jurisdictions worldwide.
See more
February 19, 2021
English High Court Rules That Compliance With Pre-Arbitration Negotiation Periods Incapable of Challenge on Jurisdictional Grounds
February 17, 2021
Enforcing the Level Playing Field in the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement
November 23, 2020
DIFC Courts Grant First Ever Anti-Suit Injunction
March 18, 2021
Chambers Europe Again Ranks King & Spalding Among Top International Law Firms in its 2021 Guide
February 19, 2021
Chambers Global Again Recognizes King & Spalding as a Leading International Law Firm
ICSID proceedings involving claims for $2 billion arising from claims for expropriation and breaches of national security, acts of terrorism and acts of state.
An ICC arbitration regarding a $35 billion Treaty dispute between two sovereign states relating to oil and gas transportation rights.
Commercial Court proceedings relating to a $2.5 billion fraud and enforcement claim including freezing orders and actions in 25 jurisdictions worldwide.
See more
February 19, 2021
English High Court Rules That Compliance With Pre-Arbitration Negotiation Periods Incapable of Challenge on Jurisdictional Grounds
February 17, 2021
Enforcing the Level Playing Field in the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement
November 23, 2020
DIFC Courts Grant First Ever Anti-Suit Injunction
March 18, 2021
Chambers Europe Again Ranks King & Spalding Among Top International Law Firms in its 2021 Guide
February 19, 2021
Chambers Global Again Recognizes King & Spalding as a Leading International Law Firm
LL.M., University of New South Wales, with distinction
L.P.A.B. Dip. Law, University of Sydney, Australia
England and Wales
Law Society of New South Wales