Tom Hall is Head of the Court of Protection department at Hugh James and has specialised exclusively in this area since 2012. He joined the firm in September 2022, having previously been a partner at Thomson Snell & Passmore.
Tom advises on all aspects of Court of Protection property and financial affairs work, with a particular focus on high-value and complex cases. The majority of his clients are individuals with brain injuries who have received substantial compensation awards.
He is also regularly instructed as an expert witness in personal injury and clinical negligence claims, preparing Part 35-compliant reports on Court of Protection and deputyship costs.
Tom is known for his approachable and practical manner, building strong relationships with clients, their families and wider professional networks. He places particular emphasis on supporting and empowering clients to maximise their decision-making capacity.
Expertise and recognition
Tom is ranked as a ‘Leading Partner’ for Court of Protection work in the Legal 500 directory.
He is a regular speaker on Court of Protection issues and has presented to personal injury solicitors, charities and professional groups. His speaking engagements include:
- Court of Protection Practitioners Association Annual Conference
- Royal College of Occupational Therapists Annual Conference
- CMS UK Annual Conference
Tom has also contributed to a number of leading publications, including:
- STEP Journal
- Personal Injury Law Journal
- New Law Journal
He is the author of a chapter on the Court of Protection in the 4th Edition of the APIL Clinical Negligence Handbook (published June 2025).
Department recognition
The Court of Protection department at Hugh James is highly regarded nationally and was awarded ‘Court of Protection Team of the Year’ at the British Wills and Probate Awards in 2024 and 2025.
Memberships
- Affiliate member of STEP
- Professional Deputies Forum
- Law Society
Tom holds the STEP Advanced Certificate in Will Preparation (2014) and the STEP Diploma in Advising Vulnerable Clients (2017).
Career history
- Partner, Hugh James – 2022 to present
- Partner, Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP – 2021 to 2022
- Solicitor, Associate Solicitor and Senior Associate, Thrings LLP / Hyphen Law – 2011 to 2021
- Qualified as a solicitor – 2011
- Trained at Thrings LLP – 2009
Education
- Legal Practice Course, Swansea University – 2009
- LLB (Hons) Law and History, Swansea University – 2008