Bruce Thomas

Bruce Thomas is the Director Principal of BTLawyers, a firm he founded in 2002 with the vision of delivering superior value, service, and performance to clients compared to his experience in larger firms. With over 25 years of experience, Bruce brings extensive expertise in managing large-scale insurance, workplace, commercial, and personal litigation matters for both government and private sector clients across Australia. Bruce’s practice focuses on helping clients better manage litigation risks and control costs by developing tailored risk management strategies that align with their business objectives. His thorough understanding of the inherent risks in clients’ operations enables him to offer proactive advice that extends beyond immediate legal issues, aiding in the prevention of future incidents. Known for his outstanding negotiation skills and dedication to advancing his clients’ interests, Bruce advocates for out-of-court resolutions where possible. However, when litigation is necessary, he provides robust representation backed by an impressive track record of success at trial. Clients praise Bruce for his tactical approach and commitment, often describing him as a trusted advisor who truly has their best interests at heart. Bruce’s notable trial successes include significant decisions in worker’s compensation, insurance recovery, and commercial disputes, with cases such as WorkCover Queensland v Amaca—where he secured High Court and Court of Appeal endorsements for insurer rights—and the successful defence of enforcement actions involving major Australian businesses. His expertise has been recognised in Doyle’s Guide, listing him among Queensland’s leading lawyers in workers compensation, WorkCover, and dust diseases law for several consecutive years. Bruce holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, and Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, and was admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1992. He maintains a hands-on approach in all matters, ensuring clients receive responsive, practical advice that supports their broader business needs.