Thomas Lewis is a Senior Associate in the Dispute Resolution department specialising in Property Litigation. He joined the firm in 2018 as part of a merger with Ford Simey Solicitors and is based in our Exeter office.

Thomas is a member of the Property Litigation Association.

Thomas has a busy practice, regularly acting in complex matters involving all aspects of commercial and residential landlord & tenant disputes, including contested business lease renewals, breaches of lease, rent reviews, break notices, forfeiture, service charges, dilapidations, and possession claims. Other real estate work encompasses advising on restrictive covenants, adverse possession, easements, neighbour disputes and nuisance actions. His practice also includes misrepresentation and professional negligence matters.

As well as broad technical knowledge, he has extensive practical experience in fighting and settling difficult disputes. His focus is upon providing proactive strategic advice in respect of litigation processes, including Alternative Dispute Resolution, with a particular interest in mediation. In March 2025 he became an Accredited Mediator (Society of Mediators).

Thomas successfully acted on behalf of Claimants in a County Court action by which they obtained adverse possession of unregistered woodland plus a possession order to evict a squatter. In another recent County Court claim Thomas successfully obtained a declaration in respect of a right of way and settled a boundary dispute.

Thomas has a First Class law degree (LLB), a Masters degree (MA, Distinction), plus a Post-Graduate Certificate in Commercial Law (Distinction). He qualified as a Solicitor in September 2012. At University he achieved the highest marks in Years 1 & 2, won the Land Law prize in Year 2 and graduated with the second highest LLB marks having also won mooting and debating prizes. He has the Civil Higher Rights of Audience Award and is a (Student) member of Middle Temple. In 2013 he was commissioned in the Royal Naval Reserve in which he is a Lieutenant (Lieutenant, Ret’d).

Thomas provided a case note on a right of way dispute in the matter of Tate v Cox & Gallagher heard at Exeter County Court. To read the full article, please click here.

Thomas has also co-authored a case note on a successful claim for possession and title to woodland by virtue of adverse possession. To read the full article, please click here.