Hailing from Far North Coast NSW, Tom studied Law (Honours) at the University of Sydney.  After his studies, Tom commenced practising with leading national law firm, Corrs Chambers Westgarth, in Sydney in 2005.  Tom worked in the renowned Commercial Litigation team at Corrs until 2010, working on matters for clients such as Mirvac, Downer and British American Tobacco. Tom then joined Swaab Attorneys in Sydney, where he practiced as a Senior Associate in the Commercial Litigation team, working on matters for clients such as Red Bull and Pitcher Partners .  In 2016, Tom moved to Adelaide with his family and joined Crawford Legal as a Litigation Partner. 

In late 2017, Tom established the firm that is now Johnston Legal + Advisory.  Tom saw a gap in the market for a smaller, more personal and efficient litigation firm with ‘big law’ firm experience and contacts.  Tom understands how the big law firms operate, their methods and tactics.  Tom regularly opposes, and succeeds against, some of the biggest law firms in the country.  

Tom has developed an extensive professional network and receives referrals of matters from larger law firms in Adelaide and Sydney, with whom he works closely.   Tom briefs leading commercial litigation barristers and expert witnesses in SA and NSW and uses the latest legal software, including electronic discovery platforms hosted by Corrs in Sydney. 

Tom is currently a Board Director and Chair of Active Inclusion (SA), a member of the Australian and New Zealand Sports Law Association (ANZSLA) and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD). 

Johnston Legal + Advisory gives back to the community as a sponsor of Old Collegians Rugby Club, through other various charity work and by providing pro bono legal services to organisations in need. 

Beyond work, Tom enjoys all things family, sport, outdoors and travel.