Tom Sansom serves as the Managing Principal at Close Counsel, where he provides strategic advice and innovative training solutions that enable clients to achieve commercial success. With extensive experience in renewable energy, he has managed the delivery of large-scale PV and BESS projects, including navigating grid connection approvals and technical investigations. Prior to this role, Tom was a General Manager at Thiess Services, where he led the commercial, legal, and risk management functions of the billion-dollar enterprise. His leadership contributed to numerous high-value contract negotiations and complex M&A deals. As a General Counsel, he transformed the legal function into a crucial business partner, enhancing the team’s capabilities in contract negotiation, dispute resolution, regulatory compliance, and crisis management. Tom’s previous experience as a Senior Associate at Ashurst involved negotiating infrastructure contracts, handling Supreme Court litigation, and advising on government processes. He also played a key role in client management and mentoring associates. He began his career as an Associate at Gadens Lawyers, honing his skills in a broad range of legal matters. Tom holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Arts in History from The Australian National University, complemented by an Executive Leadership Program from The University of Queensland. His blend of business leadership and legal acumen underpins his commitment to delivering infrastructure projects sustainably.
Managing Principal
Close Counsel
Jan 2016 - Present • 10 years 10 months
General Manager, Commercial, Legal & Risk
Thiess Services
Jan 2012 - Jun 2015 • 3 years 5 months
General Counsel
Thiess Services
Apr 2008 - Dec 2011 • 3 years 8 months
Senior Associate
Ashurst
Jan 2000 - Apr 2008 • 8 years 3 months
Associate
Gadens Lawyers
Jan 1997 - Present • 29 years 10 months
Executive Leadership Program
The University of Queensland
2011
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (Hons)
The Australian National University
1992 - 1996
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), History
The Australian National University
1992 - 1996
Last checked: 4 May 2026 • Checked with Queensland Law Society
