Thomas Shortland
Partner, London
Thomas Shortland
Partner, London
Tom Shortland is a partner and solicitor advocate in the London office of Cohen & Gresser. He is a member of the firm’s Litigation & Arbitration and White Collar Defense & Regulation practice groups.
Tom advises corporations and senior executives, particularly in the investment funds and financial services industries, on the prosecution and defence of complex commercial disputes, and on the navigation of sensitive and high-stakes investigations, regulatory inquiries, and follow-on litigation.
Tom has considerable experience acting, for both claimants and defendants, in complex and high-value commercial disputes in the English Business & Property Courts, courts in overseas jurisdictions, and before international arbitration tribunals. He has particular expertise in disputes arising out of M&A and financing transactions, joint ventures and shareholdings, insolvency, and allegations of corporate misconduct. Tom is well-versed in group and collective action proceedings in the English courts and in the utilization of litigation finance.
In addition to his commercial disputes practice, Tom regularly advises on internal and disciplinary investigations, regulatory proceedings, director disqualification applications, and economic crime matters. He has handled investigations and prosecutions conducted by a range of UK authorities, including the Serious Fraud Office, the Financial Conduct Authority, the Competition and Markets Authority, Trading Standards, the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and The Insolvency Service. Tom previously practiced as a Principal Investigative Lawyer within the Bribery & Corruption Division of the UK’s Serious Fraud Office and draws on this experience when advising clients on compliance and defence strategies.
The breadth of Tom’s experience across commercial disputes and regulatory matters makes him ideally placed to assist corporations and senior executives in navigating complex contentious matters involving parallel investigations, inquiries and litigation.
Tom is regularly recognized in the legal directories. In The Legal 500’s UK guide, he has been identified as a “Rising Star” and a “Next Generation Partner” in Commercial Litigation: Mid-Market, and as a key lawyer in Regulatory Investigations and Corporate Crime (Advice to Corporates) and in Fraud: White Collar Crime (Advice to Individuals). The Legal 500 has described Tom as “a sensationally good lawyer and commercial litigator” who “advises clients to the highest level as to the strategy and then ensures that it is implemented to guarantee the best result.” He is further described to “combin[e] intelligence with great commercial sense,” as being “very switched on for commercial and sanctions work, and with a very responsive and commercial approach,” and as a “standout partner [who has] broad experience and is very dedicated to his clients.” In 2023 and 2024, he was identified as a “Future Leader” in the Lexology Index (formerly Who’s Who Legal) for Commercial Litigation, a report which is described as identifying “standout practitioners in the litigation field” who are “singled out for their outstanding ability.”
Tom has an active pro bono practice. He regularly volunteers as an advocate in the English Business & Property Courts with the Chancery Bar Association’s Litigant in Person Support (CLIPS) Scheme and has on several occasions been a recipient of the CLIPS Pro Bono Champion Award. He is a mentor with the Social Mobility Foundation.
Prior to joining the firm, Tom trained and qualified in the London office of Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, where he practiced for over eight years. He graduated in Law from the University of Cambridge.
Tom Shortland is a partner and solicitor advocate in the London office of Cohen & Gresser. He is a member of the firm’s Litigation…
Education
University of Cambridge, Selwyn College (B.A., 2009; M.A., 2012); University of Law (Legal Practice Course, 2010)
Bar Admissions
England & Wales (Solicitor-Advocate); Republic of Ireland (non-practicing)
Tom advises corporations and senior executives, particularly in the investment funds and financial services industries, on the prosecution and defense of complex commercial disputes.
Future Leaders are acknowledged not only for their professional accomplishments but also for their ability to shape the future of the legal industry through their expertise, vision, and dedication. This recognition highlights those who are poised to lead their fields and inspire the next generation of legal professionals.
The Lexology Index (formerly Who’s Who Legal) provides comprehensive data-led research into the leading lawyers globally, celebrating individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovative approaches, and a strong commitment to delivering exceptional results for their clients.
Richard Kovalevsky KC has been named a Leading Partner in the Regulatory Investigations and Corporate Crime (Advice to Corporates) category. Thomas Shortland is recognized as a Next Generation Partner in the Commercial Litigation: Mid-Market category, where Patrick Ferguson is also included as a Recommended Lawyer.
Testimonials included in the guide commend the London team as “one of the most impressive around,” noting that the team is “unwaveringly committed and responsive throughout cases” and “achieves victories that clients can usually only dream about.”
Since opening in 2018, Cohen & Gresser’s London office has delivered top-tier legal services to clients globally across a wide range of disciplines. The team collaborates closely with colleagues in New York, Paris, and Washington, D.C., offering seamless support on complex cross-border matters.
The Legal 500 UK Solicitors guide highlights the best lawyers and law firms in the UK through in-depth research, interviews, and analysis of thousands of submissions.
Read Investcorp’s press release here.
The Competition report “brings together the insight, expertise, and wisdom of some of the world’s foremost competition lawyers and economists in a single report.” John joins a distinguished group of lawyers and other professionals who, according to WWL, “are worthy of special mention owing not only to their vast expertise and experience advising on some of the world’s most significant and cutting-edge legal matters, but also their ability to innovate, inspire, and go above and beyond to deliver for their clients.”
The Commercial Litigation report “provides an in-depth analysis of the foremost litigators around the world who are singled out for their outstanding ability within this contentious context.” Tom is included among “standout practitioners in the litigation field” that WWL identified as future leaders in the market.
Who’s Who Legal is an organization that identifies the leading legal practitioners and consulting experts in business law based on comprehensive, independent research. The individuals featured in the guide obtained the largest number of nominations from peers, corporate counsel, and other market sources.
Richard Kovalevsky KC received recognition as a Leading Individual in the Regulatory Investigations and Corporate Crime (Advice to Corporates) category, and Thomas Shortland is recognized as a Next Generation Partner in the Commercial Litigation: Mid-Market category. Additionally, John Gibson, Sir David Green CB KC, Ashley Collins, Patrick Ferguson, and Charlotte Ritchie are recognized as recommended lawyers.
Testimonials included in the tables praise the London team as “brilliantly innovative,” “top of the league,” and “standout stars in every way.” Client feedback also highlighted the team’s relentless persistence: “They will work unflaggingly and constantly until they have left no stone unturned and no potentially winning avenue unexplored.”
Opened in 2018, Cohen & Gresser’s London office provides legal services to clients around the world in a variety of disciplines. The office works closely across practices with colleagues in New York, Paris, and Washington, D.C., providing seamless support on sophisticated cross-border matters.
The Legal 500 UK Solicitors reflects the best lawyers and law firms in the UK following extensive research, interviews, and analysis of tens of thousands of submissions.
“Congratulations to Tom, Ben, and Louise on their well-deserved promotions,” said Lawrence T Gresser, global managing partner of Cohen & Gresser. “They are a talented group of lawyers who have demonstrated an extraordinary dedication to client service. All three represent Cohen & Gresser’s core values of excellence, integrity, and respect, and we are pleased to recognize their significant achievements and the impact they have within their practices and at the firm.”
Thomas Shortland – Partner, London
Tom Shortland represents corporations and individuals in a range of commercial and business disputes in the English courts, courts in overseas jurisdictions, and in international arbitrations. He also advises on internal and disciplinary investigations, regulatory proceedings, and financial crime matters. Tom has been recognized in The Legal 500 UK’s guide as a “Rising Star” in Commercial Litigation and as a key lawyer in Regulatory Investigations and Corporate Crime.
Benjamin Zhu – Counsel, New York
Ben Zhu focuses his practice on litigation and white collar defense matters. He has represented corporations and individuals in a range civil and criminal matters, including complex commercial disputes, mass tort litigation, legal malpractice actions, and government investigations. He has been named a Rising Star in New York by Super Lawyers since 2021. Ben is a magna cum laude graduate of the New York University School of Law, where he received the Order of the Coif and was a Notes Editor of the Law Review.
Louise Le Guilchet – Counsel, Paris
Louise Le Guilchet focuses her practice on complex litigation (including general civil and commercial matters, shareholder disputes, and post-acquisition litigation) as well as internal and regulatory investigations. Louise holds a master’s degree in Private International Law and International Trade from the Université Panthéon-Assas and a master’s degree in International Finance from HEC Paris (Grande Ecole).
C&G is recognized as a leading firm in the Regulatory Investigations and Corporate Crime (Advice to Corporates) category. The guide emphasizes the firm’s work with respect to the UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and notes that the team is “distinguished by its ability to draw on the expertise of experts in Washington, DC, New York, and Paris” for its multi-jurisdictional work. Clients highlight the team’s “astonishing depth of knowledge,” “strong connections to authorities,” and “razor-sharp analytical skills.”
The Legal 500 also recognized C&G in the Fraud: White-Collar Crime (Advice to Individuals) category. The guide notes that the firm is known for “housing a very strong team of white-collar crime specialists” who are “well-versed in representing senior executives and high-net-worth individuals” in all types of cases and investigations. Clients highlight the practice’s “terrific experience in the most high-profile and difficult cases” and praise the diverse experience each team member brings to the firm’s cases, including as city lawyers, ex-SFO prosecutors, solicitors from crime boutiques, and barristers.
C&G is also recognized as a leading firm in the Commercial Litigation: Mid-Market category. The guide recognizes the firm’s experience in complex, cross-border commercial litigation and highlights the team’s strength in financial services representations, particularly with respect to investment funds litigation and banking and financial services disputes. Clients applaud the practice as “well organized and accessible” and underscore the team’s ability to “give you a full picture” and “summarise the essential of what needs to be known.
In addition, Richard Kovalevsky QC has been recognized as a “Leading Individual” for Regulatory Investigations and Corporate Crime (Advice to Corporates). Richard, who joined C&G in November 2020, is described by clients as “clever and experienced” and a “major addition for the firm.”
Ranked Practice Areas:
- Regulatory Investigations and Corporate Crime (Advice to Corporates)
- Fraud: White-Collar Crime (Advice to Individuals)
- Commercial Litigation: Mid-Market
Recognized Individuals:
- John Gibson: Commercial Litigation: Mid-Market; Fraud: White-Collar Crime (Advice to Individuals); Regulatory Investigations and Corporate Crime (Advice to Corporates)
- Richard Kovalevsky QC: Commercial Litigation: Mid-Market; Fraud: White-Collar Crime (Advice to Individuals); Regulatory Investigations and Corporate Crime (Advice to Corporates)
- Jumana Rahman: Commercial Litigation: Mid-Market
- Thomas Shortland: Commercial Litigation: Mid-Market; Regulatory Investigations and Corporate Crime (Advice to Corporates)
- Tim Harris: Fraud: White-Collar Crime (Advice to Individuals); Regulatory Investigations and Corporate Crime (Advice to Corporates)
About The Legal 500:
The Legal 500 analyzes the capabilities of law firms across the world. Its rankings “highlight the practice area teams who are providing the most cutting edge and innovative advice to corporate counsel.”
Cohen & Gresser announces the promotion of Thomas Shortland to counsel in the firm's London office. Tom advises on a broad range of commercial and business disputes, including English High Court litigation, international arbitration, internal investigations, and regulatory proceedings.
In this Client Alert, John Gibson, Thomas Shortland, and Ashley Collins explore the divergent approaches to whistleblower payment schemes in the UK and the U.S. and shed light on the challenges and opportunities faced in this area by the current Director of the SFO.
In this C&G Client Alert, Thomas Shortland, John Gibson and Ashley Collins:
- highlight three trends in director disqualification enforcement which emerge from the Report;
- suggest factors that may have contributed to these trends; and
- discuss whether these trends are likely to continue.
They also provide some insights on contested disqualification proceedings from recent cases.
John W Gibson, Thomas Shortland, and Ashley Collins outline the key factors company directors must consider when making business decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they may face scrutiny from a range of interested parties including creditors, employees, trade unions, landlords, customers, regulators, insolvency practitioners, and possibly law enforcement.