Thomas Hayes

Thomas has a growing practice in clinical negligence, inquests, inquiries, and personal injury law. He was instructed by the Countess of Chester Hospital for the Thirlwall Inquiry, examining the wider circumstances and response to the crimes of Lucy Letby. He also represents both the Office of the Chief Medical Officer and the United Kingdom Health Security Agency in the ongoing Covid-19 Inquiry. In August 2025, Thomas will take on the role of Counsel to the Inquiry in the Lampard Inquiry, which investigates mental health-related deaths in Essex.

In clinical negligence matters, Thomas regularly acts for both claimants and defendants. He has experience advising on both liability and quantum, including in high-value complex claims and those engaging the Human Rights Act 1998. His expertise extends to preparing pleadings, conducting conferences, and appearing in interlocutory hearings before the High Court and County Court. Thomas has also acted as sole counsel in a number of inquests on behalf of both families and medical providers. These have included multi-day inquests and those to be heard before a jury.

Thomas was a practising surgeon before turning to a career in law and, in addition to a full-time medical practice, led a safe surgery initiative in the Democratic Republic of Congo and acted as an expedition medic for a field study undertaken in the Peruvian Amazon. Before joining chambers, he volunteered at the Free Representation Unit (FRU).