Get to know Thomas

About Thomas Gaultier

Thomas Gaultier portrait photo
Our Services

Hey there! I'm Thomas Gaultier, a mediator and attorney and a counsellor-at-law with the New York Bar. Currently, I'm proudly serving as Of Counsel at Abreu Advogados in Lisbon.

My journey began at the University of Paris X Nanterre Law School, and I later pursued my passion for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) by earning an LL.M. in Alternative Dispute Resolution from the University of Texas in Austin. That’s where I first became a certified mediator and delved into fascinating research on “Cyber-Arbitration.”

Over the years, I’ve written various articles and book chapters on mediation and ADR. One of my proudest accomplishments was winning an award for my paper titled “Cross-Border Commercial Mediation.” It’s been a fulfilling experience to contribute to the field and share my knowledge with others.

In terms of experience, I’ve had the privilege of wearing two hats: that of a mediator and a settlement counsel. As a mediator, I’ve tackled all sorts of conflicts, from construction/engineering and distribution/agency disputes to sales of goods, intra-company conflicts, and insurance claims. As a settlement counsel, I’ve lent my expertise to energy projects, construction/engineering cases, structured finance matters, insurance claims, and even purchase and sales of businesses.

Over the past few years, I have also been working as a community mediator related to mining operations in Africa, having had the chance to work with mines in Zambia and Mozambique.

When it comes to mediation, I believe in a facilitative approach. I love empowering parties to find their own solutions and options, acting as a guide along the way. Of course, if both parties are open to it, I’m more than happy to offer constructive feedback and help brainstorm new avenues for productive mediation. Above all, I’m committed to fostering a constructive negotiation environment that values respectful communication, addresses all relevant questions, manages risks, and builds collaborative relationships.

Since 2010, I have been an independent mediator, serving clients both locally in Lisbon and internationally. In conjunction with my mediation practice, I have been Of Counsel at renowned law firms including Abreu Advogados, AAA Advogados, and Miranda, Correia, Amendoeira & Associados. These roles have allowed me to gain extensive experience in dispute resolution, contract management, international transactions, and corporate law.

Beyond my legal practice, I’m proud to be a co-founder and Vice-President of the ICFML – Instituto de Certificação e Formação de Mediadores Lusófonos. We’re a non-profit organization dedicated to training and certifying Portuguese-speaking mediators. On top of that, I get to share my passion for mediation and negotiation as a lecturer at the Escola de Direito do Porto of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa.

If you’re seeking a mediator who’s not only experienced but also genuinely passionate about helping people find peaceful resolutions, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s work together to transform conflicts into opportunities for growth and understanding.

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