Tom Birch Reynardson is the founder of Birch Reynardson & Co and an independent arbitrator. He has specialised in shipping litigation, international trade and international arbitration since joining international maritime firm HFW in 1980.
Tom has advised clients in a very large number of matters across commercial maritime disputes, international trade, investment, natural resources, insurance, energy-related contractual claims, enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards, asset recovery and sovereign immunity. Many of the cases he has handled have been reported, including the Antclizo litigation concerning abandonment of arbitration, which reached the House of Lords twice and the Supreme Court of India. He also handled the Good Luck case in the House of Lords and a Privy Council case concerning ship arrest in the Bahamas.
In 2007, Tom founded Birch Reynardson & Co, a boutique firm specialising in international arbitration and complex cross-border disputes. The firm focuses on practical, cost-effective and innovative approaches to dispute resolution, including fast-track strategies, alternative funding structures, asset identification and recovery.
Tom has extensive experience of arbitration in the UK and internationally, including matters under LMAA, ICC, LCIA, GAFTA, FOSFA, LME, ICSID, UNCITRAL and ad hoc rules. His experience spans proceedings in Europe, Asia, the United States and other regional arbitration centres.
Tom increasingly sits as arbitrator, with a focus on efficient, proportionate and cost-effective dispute resolution.