Band 2
Band 3
About
Provided by Thomas Sebastian
Practice Areas
Thomas acts in complex regulatory and commercial disputes.
Thomas’ practice is diverse and spans public international law, international commercial arbitration and competition law.
- Thomas concentrates his public international law practice on international economic law (WTO law, trade law more generally and investment treaty law). He has acted for over 20 sovereign states and has extensive experience of handling disputes where important regulatory and financial interests are at stake.
- Thomas’ international commercial arbitration cases usually involve complex technical or economic issues. He has a particular interest in disputes governed by Indian law or involving Indian assets.
- Thomas also acts in competition law cases in the English courts. He has considerable experience in competition damages litigation (including collective proceedings) and in challenges to regulatory decisions.
He has acted at all levels of the English courts and before a wide variety of international tribunals (including WTO panels, the CJEU and ICSID tribunals).
Career
- 2023 onwards: Essex Court Chambers, London
- 2012-2023: Monckton Chambers, London
- 2010-2012: Allen & Overy LLP, London
- 2002-2009: Advisory Centre on WTO Law, Geneva
Qualifications
- 2012, Barrister, England and Wales
- 1999, Advocate, India
Chambers Review
UK Bar
Thomas Sebastian is highly regarded for his investment treaty and WTO work. He has acted in treaty disputes involving Cuba, Colombia, Thailand, India and South Africa, and has also advised the UK government on Brexit-related international law issues.
Thomas Sebastian is well known for his handling of major competition cases for clients from the technology sector. He defends clients in investigations into possible abuse of dominance and cartels, and also has experience acting for claimants on collective proceedings.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Thomas is simply one of the very best juniors around. The cornerstone of his practice is his superlative client-handling skills. He is one seriously talented individual."
"Thomas is a very fine public international lawyer. He has great depth of expertise."
"Thomas is an extremely clever academic mind. He's very thoughtful, considered and measured - a real intellect!"
"Thomas is simply one of the very best juniors around. The cornerstone of his practice is his superlative client-handling skills. He is one seriously talented individual."
"Thomas is a very fine public international lawyer. He has great depth of expertise."
"Thomas is an extremely clever academic mind. He's very thoughtful, considered and measured - a real intellect!"
Discover other Barristers at
Essex Court Chambers
Silks (KC)
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London (Bar)
