Head of Costs, Hugh James
Tom has worked at Pannone, Irwin Mitchell, Just Costs, Croft Solicitors and has recently joined Hugh James as their Head of Costs. He specialises in retainers, costs budgeting, inter partes costs assessments and anything complex that is costs related. Tom has been a champion of the use of ADR in costs and has two precedent making decisions on the issue, sanctioning the paying party for refusing offers of mediation. Tom regularly appears in the SCCO and has a particular specialism in asbestos related costs cases (success fees and hourly rates).
Chambers & Partners Feedback for Tom:
"Tom is highly intelligent and clearly a specialist in his field. He is easy to deal with, very efficient and determined to deliver the best result. Tom Blackburn is a fearless and robust advocate and very effective negotiator. He can deal with all aspects of cases from beginning to conclusion, including advocacy at court hearings. Tom is extremely knowledgeable and knows exactly how to achieve the desired ends. He is exceptional as a manager, advocate, tactician and an organiser. Tom Blackburn is an outstanding costs advocate and litigator."