Rhys Ab Owen Thomas

Following pupillage Rhys joined Iscoed as a tenant in 2011.

Devolution

In 2018-19, Rhys undertook work with the Welsh Government as Head of Policy for the Commission on Justice in Wales chaired by Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, former Chief Justice of England and Wales. He was commended for his work and has extensive knowledge of the justice system and devolution in Wales. Rhys is happy to provide advice and training in this area.

Rhys maintains a specific interest in Welsh law and legislation and has experience in many devolution matters. Notable cases include Tovey v Rent Smart Wales (2016), the first legal challenge under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014. Rhys has provided advices and opinions to local and UK law firms on devolution in Wales, including the powers of the National Assembly and the Welsh Government and the operation and implications of the Welsh Language Measure (2011). He accepts instructions to provide written advice and will return an opinion within 14 days unless a shorter timetable is required.

Rhys is also experienced in advising in education cases including in appeals against local authorities.

Rhys is a fluent Welsh speaker and regularly accepts instructions and conducts cases through the medium of Welsh.

Inquests

Rhys accepts instructions to represent interested persons at inquests. He has been involved in road traffic and clinical negligence inquests. Rhys is used to acting in inquests that involve a potential for criminal prosecution or a civil claim. His style enables him to represent his clients’ best interests in an effective manner that is appropriate for the setting. The bereaved families he has represented have particularly appreciated Rhys’ approach at inquests.

Mediation

Rhys trained as a mediator in 2012. He accepts instructions in all of Chambers' practice areas and is happy to conduct mediations in English, Welsh or bilingually. He is happy to travel to a convenient location for the parties to conduct the mediation.