David Thom

David Thom 

Counsel

Bermuda

  • Extremely diligent and hard working, but also gets across complex issues quickly.
    Legal 500 2024
  • Destined for great honours.
    Legal 500 2025
  • Ability well beyond his years to steer through difficult concepts and draft difficult documents.
    Legal 500 2025
  • Someone who we have full faith in.
    Legal 500 2024
  • Legally sharp, has great attention to detail and always keeps a great sense of humour even under immense pressure.
    Legal 500 2025

David is an experienced commercial and insurance disputes lawyer based in Collas Crill's Bermuda office. 

Experience

David has broad litigation and arbitration experience, with a particular focus on corporate, insurance coverage and professional liability disputes.

He is highly experienced in advising and representing dissenting shareholders in Bermuda merger appraisal litigation brought under section 106 of the Companies Act 1981, having been involved in the majority of the actions brought before the Supreme Court over the past five years.

David also has extensive contentious insurance experience, including advising and acting for London market and Bermuda insurers and reinsurers on local coverage disputes and Bermuda Form arbitrations.

In addition, he regularly represents local professional services firms in the defence of professional liability claims.

Background

Prior to joining Collas Crill, David worked at another leading firm in Bermuda, and earlier in his career at one of the UK's leading insurance firms.

He has been recognised as a Leading Associate for contentious insurance and reinsurance by Legal 500.

David is admitted as a Barrister and Attorney in Bermuda and as a Solicitor of England and Wales (non-practising).

My services
Dispute resolution
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We live in an increasingly contentious world. When your business is involved in any kind of legal dispute it's crucial to work with lawyers who are hands-on, cost-effective and flexible enough to respond quickly and intuitively to your unique situation and needs.

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Breach of directors' duties
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We advise on all aspects of breaches of directors’ duties, including allegations of mismanagement, conflicts of interest and breach of fiduciary obligations.

Our offshore disputes lawyers work closely with corporate, regulatory and litigation teams to guide shareholders, directors, companies and financial institutions through complex governance disputes. With experience across multiple jurisdictions, we offer strategic, pragmatic advice tailored to high-stakes and reputationally sensitive matters.

Whether acting in regulatory investigations or shareholder actions, our regulatory disputes lawyers help clients respond confidently to legal and commercial risks in an increasingly regulated and scrutinised environment.

Directors' disputes
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Disputes between directors can threaten the stability and governance of a company. We advise boards, individual directors, shareholders and stakeholders in contentious matters involving boardroom deadlock, removal or appointment of directors and conflicts of interest.

Drawing on our corporate, regulatory and dispute resolution expertise, we provide strategic advice in navigating internal power struggles and fiduciary issues. Our cross-border teams work cohesively to resolve disputes efficiently, protect business continuity and mitigate reputational risk.

Whether acting in private companies, joint ventures or complex corporate structures, we help clients manage director-level disputes with clarity and confidence.

Merger appraisal
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Our merger appraisal team has developed a strong reputation as the trusted partner for high value, complex merger appraisals. We have acted for dissenting shareholders in the leading appraisal cases in the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands and Bermuda.

Clients benefit from the wealth of experience of our integrated practice. The breadth and depth of our multi-jurisdictional team allows us to respond decisively to fast paced and complex merger appraisal litigation and gives our clients unparalleled access to legal developments across the jurisdictions. Our litigation and trial experience is marker-leading. Our team has a depth of experience in complex trial preparation, interlocutory hearings and strategic case management. We have extensive experience working with world-renowned, independent experts and have built strong relationships with "best-in-class" leading counsel in the appraisal space. 

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Shareholder disputes
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We advise on all forms of shareholder disputes, from minority oppression and unfair prejudice claims to breaches of shareholder agreements and deadlock situations. Whether acting for individual shareholders, investors, directors or companies, we bring together dispute resolution and corporate advisory expertise to manage risk and protect value.

Our cross-border teams of offshore disputes lawyers are experienced in handling contentious matters involving joint ventures, family businesses, private equity and listed entities. Whether the dispute calls for negotiation, litigation or arbitration, we focus on delivering clear, commercial solutions that preserve reputations and support long-term business objectives.

International arbitration and mediation
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With offices in the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guernsey, Jersey and London, we can advise you on every aspect of international arbitration. Our dedicated arbitration specialists will work alongside you to quickly determine the best approach for a successful conclusion.

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Professional negligence disputes
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Our offshore dispute resolution lawyers work closely with our regulatory and insurance teams to advise law firms, accountants, surveyors, and other professionals and their professional indemnity insurers across our various jurisdictions. We take a coordinated and considered approach to professional negligence claims, helping clients navigate reputational risks, complex liability issues and evolving regulatory expectations.