Clive Thomas

Clive Thomas is the Managing Director of Watkins & Gunn and Head of its Personal Injury Team. He has been central to shaping the firm into a modern, resilient practice with a clear sense of purpose, combining strong commercial performance with a commitment to doing the right thing for clients, colleagues and the wider community.

With over 35 years’ experience, Clive specialises in personal injury and employment law, with a particular focus on representing individuals who have suffered serious injury or loss. He acts for injured people, families and trade union members across Wales and beyond, often in complex and sensitive cases.

His work includes serious injury claims, workplace accidents, road traffic collisions and cases involving life-changing injuries. He also advises in employment matters arising from injury, including dismissal, discrimination and workplace disputes.

Clive is known for taking on challenging and technically complex cases, and is equally recognised for his client care and approachability. Chambers & Partners describes him as “incredible with clients… approachable and always willing to go above and beyond to get the best result.”

He is recognised in Legal 500 and as an Eminent Practitioner in Chambers & Partners. He is a Fellow of APIL and a member of the Law Society’s Personal Injury Accreditation Panel, reflecting a long-standing commitment to technical excellence, strong client care and effective representation.

Approach

Clive’s approach is to provide clear, practical advice, supporting clients through what are often life-changing events. He ensures clients understand both the process and the options available to them at every stage.

He believes that strong personal injury representation is about more than legal process. It is about helping people rebuild their lives with the right support in place.

He works closely with clients, families, medical experts, rehabilitation and support teams to ensure that outcomes reflect not only financial compensation, but also longer-term care, recovery and stability.

Leadership and the Profession

Alongside his work with clients, Clive plays an active role in supporting and developing the legal profession.

He serves as a Law Society Council Member for South Wales, is a member of the National Board for Wales and leads the Managing Partners’ Group. He is also Legal Tech Chair for the Cardiff & District Law Society, where he is a former President, and serves on the Council of the Monmouthshire Law Society, having previously been President.
Across these roles, his focus is to listen, collaborate and help shape a profession that is forward-looking, resilient and sustainable.

Community and Pro Bono

Clive is committed to improving access to justice and supporting local communities.

He co-chairs the Pro Bono Committee for Wales and founded Cardiff Lawyers Care, a pro – bono clinic supporting people facing homelessness and hardship. He also sits as a member of Wales Committee of the Wooden Spoon Charity and is a Business Ambassador for City Hospice.

Contact

Clive is always happy to speak with individuals, families and organisations who need clear, practical advice following injury, loss or workplace issues.

Equally, if you are interested in conversations around wellbeing, technology, pro bono or modern legal practice, or if there are matters you would like to raise in my role on Law Society Council, Clive is always happy to connect.

He is also a keen networker and past President of the Intrepid Chapter of BNI, which meets every Friday morning at Whitchurch Golf Club. Contact him if you would like to visit.