Tony was educated at Leamington College and Manchester University. He joined Clyde and Co straight from law school in 1974 and qualified as a Solicitor in 1976. He was made a Partner in 1980, at the age of 28.

He specializes in dry shipping and transportation work. As well as working with clients in the UK and EU, he has for the last 20 years travelled regularly to Japan working with clients there and to China for the last 10 years.

Tony numbers insurance companies, trading companies, overseas lawyers and shipyards amongst his clients. He works regularly with lawyers in many different countries and therefore maintains a network of foreign correspondents with whom he is able to cooperate on any given matter.

Whilst his stated aim has been to find an amicable resolution to any dispute, when litigation has become necessary he has run a number of cases to trial in both the Admiralty and Commercial Courts in London as well as a successful case in the House of Lords and obtained 2 successful decisions in the Cour de Cassation in Paris.

He has been recognized as a leading practitioner in dry shipping and transportation law in both ‘The Legal 500’ and in the ‘Chambers’ Directory which, shortly before he decided to leave Clyde & Co noted: ’’Tony is described as the big hitter at this big hitting firm. He hands down the issues without taking stupid points, saving everyone time.’’

Tony is a keen sportsman having played cricket, football and rugby at representative level and now plays golf and tennis. He is a long suffering and passionate supporter of Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. and is convinced that this season it will be different-as he has for the last 48 years!

Email: tony.thomas@thomasmarinelaw.com
Mobile: + 44 (0) 7831 866839

Tariff: Tony Thomas’ charge out rate is £180.00 (GBP) per hour.

Linley co-founded Thomas & Co with Tony Thomas in February 2009, following Tony’s decision to leave Clyde & Co after many years as a Senior Partner.

Since starting Thomas & Co, Linley has been principally handling cargo damage claims against major container lines, mainly for clients in Japan and Europe. She has been successful in consistently negotiating high level settlements, which has earned her recognition from clients. Linley also acts as an assistant to Tony Thomas on major cases.

Linley’s background is that she worked as a neonatal nurse after obtaining a Bachelor of Nursing Degree. Then in 2002 she changed course into business, primarily dealing with commercial contract law and finances. This has provided a solid platform and understanding of the law necessary for her position as Director in Thomas & Co

Linley is permanently based in New Zealand and heads the NZ office. She travels to the UK, other European Countries and Japan each year to meet clients and negotiate claims.

Linley enjoys outdoor pursuits such as skiing and camping - exploring the spectacular NZ countryside together with her 2 children. She also enjoys mountain biking (which Tony thinks is an excellent outlet for her aggression!). Linley still finds time to savour a glass of wine from one of the many excellent local Hawke’s Bay vineyards, enjoying the company of friends on the deck of her home overlooking the South Pacific Ocean.

Email: linley.taylor@thomasmarinelaw.com
Mobile: + 64 (0) 21 277 7227

Tariff: Linley Taylor’s charge out rate is £90.00 (GBP) per hour.