Tom Walshaw
Profile
Tom is based in our London office within the specialist liability team, which is part of our public sector, abuse and specialist liability team based in London and Newcastle.
Tom qualified in 1992 at Barlow Lyde and Gilbert, until its merger with Clyde and Co. He moved to DACBeachcroft in 2007 as a partner, and joined Kennedys in 2023. He qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales.
He is a leading public sector defence lawyer, and also defends other companies and organisations in claims relating to allegations of breach of duty and breaches of the Human Rights Act. Listed for many years in Chambers directory for his work for the police, Tom has handled some of the most important cases relating to powers of arrest.
Amongst high profile and reported cases that Tom has dealt with, he recently defended a leading University in a widely publicised claim for bullying at work, and is currently working on a number of complex and sensitive inquests for other clients.
Tom also has an extensive practice advising on the sensitive and difficult area of claims for neglect and harm to vulnerable children and adults.
Tom Walshaw can give common-sense analysis of claims and knows how things play out in court.
Qualifications and admissions
- University of Sussex BA Hons Law in 1992
- University Libre de Bruxelles Diplome D´Etudes approfondis
- College of Law York
- Admitted as a Solicitor in 1994
Market recognition
- Notable practitioner for 'Police Law: Mainly Defendant (London)'
"Tom Walshaw can give common-sense analysis of claims and knows how things play out in court."
"Tom Walshaw is a really great guy."
Chambers UK 2026 - Currently listed in Chambers for Police Law: Mainly Defendant, the entry states “Tom Walshaw is noted for his vast experience defending the Police”.
The review also notes “Tom has great credentials and relationships with clients”.
Insurance and reinsurance
Public sector