Thomas worked at Baird & McGregor Solicitors from 1997 to 2002 handling a range of criminal and civil litigation. The firm's regional focus saw him concentrating on agribusiness litigation (contract disputes, engineering/machinery faults, insurance, occupational health and safety, Water Act, partnership disputes), claims under Part IV Probate and Administration Act and insolvency.

He is involved with the Central Highlands Community Legal Center and has conducted the legal aspects of the Community Release Program at Ararat and Langi Kal Kal prisons.

He appreciates the need to get out and look at the subject matter of litigation, wherever it is, and the advantages of conferences and discussions "on site" early in the process.