Recommendations
David is ranked as a leading practitioner by all of the major directories, including:
2025
Chambers and Partners: UK Bar Guide 2025:
Band 1: International Arbitration: Arbitrators
Legal 500:
Tier 2: Leading Silk: Middle East – The English Bar – Construction
Tier 2: Leading Silk: London Bar – International Arbitration – Arbitrators
“Very experienced and good commercial approach and gets quickly to the key points in a case”.
Lexology Index (formerly Who’s Who Legal):
Thought Leader – Construction (Category: Construction)
Thought Leader – Arbitration (Category: Arbitration)
Recommended – Commercial Litigation (Category: Commercial Litigation)
Recommended – Energy (Category: Energy – Power/Electricity)
Recommended – UK Bar (Category: Energy and Natural Resources – Silks)
2024
Who’s Who Legal:
Thought Leader – Arbitration
Commercial Litigation (Recommended)
Who’s Who Legal UK Bar – 2024:
Arbitration (Recommended, Mixed practice or mainly acting as counsel)
Construction (Recommended, Mixed practice or mainly acting as counsel)
Energy and Natural Resources (Recommended, Silks)
Chambers and Partners UK Bar Guide 2024:
Band 1: International Arbitration: Arbitrators
Legal 500: London Bar – International Arbitration – Arbitrators:
Tier 2: International Arbitration (Leading Counsel as Arbitrators)
2023
2023 Global Guide
International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators
London-based David Brynmor Thomas KC of 39 Essex Chambers is experienced in acting as chair and co-arbitrator on cases under ICC and LCIA rules. He boasts significant expertise in energy sector disputes.
Strengths
“As chair of arbitral tribunals he is very good at managing the parties.”
“He is a very able arbitrator who is conscientious and has good manners.”
“I admire his capacity to be on the ball consistently.”
“He’s very thorough and well read.”
“David Brynmor Thomas is very sharp and well prepared, and delivers very well-written awards.”
2023 UK Bar
International Arbitration: Arbitrators
David Thomas KC of 39 Essex Chambers is a respected name for international arbitration who sits as an arbitrator in significant commercial disputes. His work spans various jurisdictions including Asia, North America, Eastern Europe and Africa. He has particularly deep expertise in infrastructure matters and is well versed in the LCIA, ICC and DIAC rules. He also serves as an emergency arbitrator for the ICC and ICDR.
Strengths
“David is very sharp and well prepared, and he delivers very well-written awards.”
2022
“An insightful, practical arbitrator.”
The Legal 500
“A hands-on, commercial and strategic individual … who is … very passionate about arbitration … and … really excellent in the field.”
The Legal 500
2022 Global Guide
International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators
David Brynmor Thomas KC of 39 Essex Chambers regularly wins appointments to ICC and LCIA tribunals, and is particularly active in disputes in the construction sector.
2022 UK Bar
International Arbitration: Arbitrators
David Thomas KC is a respected name for international arbitration who sits as an arbitrator in significant commercial disputes. His work spans various jurisdictions including Asia, North America, Eastern Europe and Africa. He has particularly deep expertise in infrastructure matters and is well versed in the LCIA, ICC and DIAC rules. He also serves as an emergency arbitrator for the ICC and ICDR.
Strengths
“He is very experienced, cool, calm and collected throughout.” “He is very bright and very hard-working.”
2021
2021 Global Guide
International Arbitration: Most In Demand Arbitrators
David Brynmor Thomas QC regularly sits on ICC, LCIA, DIAC and SCC tribunals, and is active in disputes across the energy, telecommunications and construction sectors. A source enthuses: “He’s an extremely good, reliable, stable arbitrator and will get the right answer.”
2019
“Excellent at dealing with the cross-border aspects”
Chambers & Partners
2018
“Thoroughly professional and very accessible”
The Legal 500
2015
“Outstanding in international arbitration.”
The Legal 500
“David is an extremely experienced and highly regarded international arbitration lawyer. He is so thoughtful and knowledgeable.”
Chambers & Partners
“One of the top arbitration practitioners in London”
The Legal 500
2014
“A highly efficient, responsive and effective arbitrator.”
The Legal 500
“He has real knowledge and experience of the whole arbitration process.”
Chambers & Partners 2014