Thomas Worsfold

Call To The Bar: 2019

Tom became a tenant of Lincoln House in December 2020 and has quickly developed a strong criminal practice, prosecuting and defending in equal measure in the Crown Court.

Tom is a CPS Level 2, CPS Level 2 Serious Crime and Level 2 Fraud Panels prosecutor.  Tom is frequently instructed to prosecute cases concerning violence, drugs and dishonesty. He has experience of serious crime having recently been led in a complex multi-handed drugs conspiracy. Recent defence trials include wounding with intent, public disorder and sexual offences.

In court, Tom has quickly developed a measured and pragmatic approach, which he combines with rigorous preparation. He is equally adept examining witnesses in a focused and incisive manner as he is arguing points of law, such as bad character, hearsay and disclosure. Tom has earned the praise of judges for his considered and well-judged approach at trial and sentence, as well as for the quality of his written advocacy.

Tom prides himself on his close attention to detail and thorough preparation of all cases. His strong work ethic means that no stone is left unturned, key advice is given promptly and important strategic decisions are fully informed. Whether prosecuting or defending, he is keen to build working relationships with clients as well as to construct a coherent and considered strategy from the start. Tom has experience of representing clients with mental health difficulties, both at trial and sentence.

Tom continues to receive instructions on a private basis in the Magistrates’ Court, particularly in relation to road traffic offences. He has a particularly good record with exceptional hardship arguments, both in the Magistrates and on appeal to the Crown Court, and is frequently instructed for trials involving expert evidence, for example back calculations and collision reconstruction. Tom provides a professional and proactive approach in such cases, seeking to ensure that clients have the best advice at the earliest opportunity.

Tom is part of the “Junior Junior” scheme with the Attorney General’s Panel Counsel, and was previously instructed by the Department of Health on the Infected Blood Inquiry. His work included disclosure, conducting conferences and drafting witness statements. He has recently represented HMRC, the DVLA and the Insolvency Service in regulatory and criminal proceedings.

Tom also represents licence operators and transport manager at Public Inquiries before the Traffic Commissioner. He is particularly keen to expand his work in this field, which combines close attention to detail with building good working relationships with lay and professional clients.

Since joining Chambers Tom has built on his previous experience as a county court advocate by conducting a variety of civil hearings. His recent civil work includes fast-track track trials (road traffic collisions and tripping claims), Stage 3 hearings and various interlocutory hearing. Advisory matters range from advising a foreign company pursuing a commercial debt, including on the issue of jurisdiction, to advices on quantum in personal injury cases.

Away from the law, Tom enjoys playing for his local football team, walking holidays and cooking.