Brick Court Chambers maintains its excellent reputation as ‘a top end set’ in the civil fraud space. In Republic of Mozambique v Credit Suisse and others, a high-profile claim involving allegations of fraud, corruption and bribery concerning the procurement of sovereign guarantees worth $2bn in what is known as the "tuna bonds" scandal, Richard Blakeley KC acted for the Republic in proceedings against the Privinvest Group, represented by Tom Woolgar; the court ruled in favour of the Republic against the Privinvest defendants. In the same case, Stephen Midwinter KC, Fred Hobson KC, Laura Newton and Tom Wood represented banks that provided syndicated lending to Mozambique. In recent developments at the set, Edward Harrison KC took silk in March 2025.
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Profile
Position
Tom is recognised as a leading junior in commercial dispute resolution. He regularly acts as part of larger teams in high-profile cases and also unled in commercial court and arbitral proceedings. Tom has a broad practice covering financial services and banking disputes, civil fraud, commercial agency, sale of goods, insurance/reinsurance, shareholder/JV disputes and professional negligence. Many of Tom’s matters have an international element and involve conflicts issues.
Tom has acted in a number of disputes featured in The Lawyer’s ‘Top 20’ cases in recent years, including BTI’s claim against PwC, the multi-party proceedings concerning the $2 billion ’tuna bond’ scandal in Mozambique, and the FX-rigging litigation. He also has extensive experience of arbitrations, including LCIA, ICC, ad hoc and GAFTA proceedings, and s.69 appeals.
Career
Call: 2017
Education
2014: Higher Rights of Audience, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP (top of cohort)
2011: Legal Practice Course, BPP Law School (Distinction)
2009-2010: Graduate Diploma in Law, BPP Law School (Distinction)
2007-2008: Master of Studies, Christ Church, University of Oxford (Distinction)
2004-2007: BA in Music, Christ Church, University of Oxford (First Class, top of year)
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Tony Burgess is a star.'
- 'Paul Dennison runs a tight ship.'
- 'Paul Dennison is an outstanding senior clerk whose professionalism, efficiency, and deep understanding of the commercial Bar make him an invaluable asset to Brick Court Chambers. He brings a calm authority and a proactive, solutions-focused approach to every aspect of his role, ensuring smooth and effective service for solicitors and clients alike.'
- 'Tony Burgess is excellent.'
- 'A powerhouse set.'
- 'Brick Court are in the top echelon of the commercial Bar.'
- 'Very talented team.'
- 'A top, magic circle chambers, packed full of talented barristers.'