Recently established London arbitrator-only set Newmans Row has secured its sixth member – 39 Essex Chambers’ David Brynmor Thomas KC.

Brynmor Thomas, formerly a senior arbitration partner at Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF), is a significant catch for Newmans Row, which was launched in March by retired judge Sir Bernard Eder and practice manager Rachel Newman as a rival to Arbitrators at 24 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, where they previously worked together.

Brynmor Thomas said the time was right for a further career shift having joined 39 Essex Chambers from HSF in 2011 to enjoy a better environment for his advocacy and to increase the number of arbitration appointments he could accept.

“Having enjoyed over 13 years at 39 Essex Chambers, I now feel the time is right to focus on expanding my career as an arbitrator at a set solely dedicated to arbitration and the interests of its arbitrators,” he said.

Based at the International Dispute Resolution Centre (IDRC) at London’s 1 Paternoster Lane, Newmans Row provides a conflict-free alternative to traditional sets of chambers, similar to the founders’ former set and the concierge-style services offered by Arbitra International, which is also based at the IDRC.

Newman said: “Our set has been designed to empower arbitrators with the tools and community they need to thrive without compromising their individuality or the support and resources specific to them. David’s arrival complements our existing members, who practice individually, and welcome him to the set.”

As a partner in HSF’s international arbitration group for 11 years and deputy head of the practice from 2008 to 2011, Brynmor Thomas worked with longtime arbitration head Paula Hodges KC, who opted for sole practice as an arbitrator on leaving HSF in April.

Absent law firm conflict of interest restrictions, Thomas has enjoyed a successful arbitral career with about 70 appointments, variously as sole arbitrator, co-arbitrator and chair, across a full range of arbitral institutions.

His counsel work was also focused on international arbitration across sectors including power, energy, transport and other infrastructure. He also co-chairs the Commercial Bar Association’s influential India subcommittee.

His departure from 39 Essex Chambers coincides with the arrival of another leading solicitor: Peter Turner KC joined the set in June from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer following his retirement from the firm after 27 years as a partner.

In recent years there has been a changing of the guard within its clerking team with the departure of highly experienced clerks Owen Lawrence, Mark Winrow and Niki Merrison.

In April the set hired Rachel Foxton from disputes software specialist Opus 2 to manage its Asia operations while last year it took on Lewis Walker, once an experienced senior practice manager at Blackstone Chambers, to lead the commercial and construction team’s clerking. 

The set is mourning the loss of construction silk Paul Darling KC, who died of a suspected heart attack on 2 August at Middle Temple, where he was treasurer.