‘Highly experienced, very measured, very capable,’ an industry commentator praises the head of Michelmores’ family team, which has niche expertise in complicated surrogacy cases.

On a personal level, Simon Thomas’s 25-year practice covers all corners of family law, with specialism in big-money cases involving a range of entrepreneurs holding a variety of international financial vehicles. Furthermore, he’s known for resolving issues concerning financial provision for children, trust funds, cohabitation disputes, property portfolios and pension provision.

Thomas has been busy advising on prenups, postnups and divorce proceedings with local and international clients. Highlights include a breakdown involving a shareholder of a European yacht broker, reviewing a West Country farmer’s agreement with a spouse, and advising a peer of the realm in divorce proceedings where the family’s entire wealth was derived from her spouse’s trust interest.

A classics graduate from the University of Hull, Thomas started his career in litigation practice at Gray’s Inn. He joined Michelmores in 1992, where he was made partner in 1998. He is known for working collaboratively and is a trained mediator (a member of Resolution and the Law Society Negligence Referral Panel).

When not dealing with family breakdowns, Thomas relaxes with more cultural pursuits: painting, chess, rugby and wine.