Thomas specialises in commercial and chancery disputes, both in litigation and arbitration.

Consistently recommended by the directories for Commercial Litigation, Commercial Chancery, Civil Fraud and Company Law, Thomas has been described as “absolutely fantastic, great to deal with and seriously clever”, “exceptional on his feet”, “outrageously clever and always calm”, “known for his intellectual firepower”, “doughty and determined in court” and “a really powerful advocate”; someone who “has strong international expertise and handles the most complex matters with ease and confidence” and “speaks a language the client can understand” while “his advocacy is always very thorough and complete, and judges trust him”. Before taking silk, he was also a member of the Attorney General’s “A” Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown, dealing with the most complex cases on behalf of the UK government.

In litigation, Thomas practices across the English court system. He also has experience in many offshore jurisdictions, and is admitted to the Bar of the British Virgin Islands.

In arbitration, Thomas has experience as counsel under various arbitral rules. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a member of the HKIAC List of Arbitrators and happy to accept suitable appointments as arbitrator.

Cherrene is a Senior Associate specialising in commercial litigation. She is recommended in this field by The Legal 500.

Cherrene has a wealth of litigation experience both domestically and cross-border for clients that include individuals, corporations SMEs, financial institutions and public bodies. She advises clients on their litigation risk when entering a contract or interpreting contractual clauses and at all stages of litigation from, advising on the merits of a claim, to devising strategy and managing a trial. Cherrene also recognises the importance of alternative dispute resolution and has led several successful mediations.

Cherrene qualified as a barrister and initially practised in criminal law. Cherrene spent the first years of her career prosecuting and defending criminal cases in the magistrates and crown court, including acting as lead counsel on a multi handed money laundering prosecution. Cherrene has been instructed by both the Crown Prosecution Service and the defence and is experienced in representing clients facing police investigations and criminal proceedings.

Cherrene joined Payne Hicks beach in April 2024 from Blake Morgan LLP. She has an LLM in Commercial and Corporate Law from Kings College London.

Georgina has advised and represented a wide variety of clients including high net worth individuals, commercial organizations, charities, public authorities and coroners in litigation and arbitration (both international and domestic) for over 16 years.

Georgina’s practice includes claims arising from complex contractual disputes, fraud, shareholder issues, and contentious insolvency.  Her experience includes advising on jurisdictional matters, injunctive relief, governing law and dispute resolution clauses and enforcement issues.

In recent years, Georgina has also focused on assisting with high value employment claims (in the High Court) and judicial reviews (the latter, in particular, in relation to coronial law).

The Legal 500 UK has described Georgina as Next Generation Partner 2024.

Qualified in 2006, joined Payne Hicks Beach as a Partner in 2021.