Michael is an acknowledged expert in commercial property cases, construction-related litigation, professional liability, and landlord and tenant law. With over 25 years’ experience at the Bar and an exemplary reputation, his clients range from major corporations to local authorities and individuals.

Michael has substantial experience of conducting Technology and Construction Court (TCC) and other building litigation. His cases cover a wide range of disputes from major construction developments to industrial workplaces. As a TECBAR Adjudicator since 1998, he is also extremely well placed to advise on the performance and enforcement of adjudications.

Michael frequently brings his experience of construction and property cases to bear in professional negligence claims against surveyors, valuers, architects, and solicitors, in both local and international transactions.

In landlord and tenant matters, Michael’s cases include dispositions of freehold and leasehold interests, possession, rent arrears, disrepair, dilapidations and service charges. He is also highly experienced in boundary disputes, restrictive covenants and general property work, including advice on contractual issues.

Michael is also an accredited mediator and is increasingly in demand to assist with preparing cases for mediation and to act as an advocate during mediations.

In addition, Michael is a seasoned employment law practitioner, appearing regularly before the employment tribunals in cases involving sex and disability discrimination, unfair dismissal, TUPE, and disputes over employment status.

Clients consistently praise the quality of Michael’s work. Recent testimonials have noted that he has “exceptional people skills”, is “hugely approachable”, and that “despite a busy schedule, he consistently turns instructions around quickly… he adopts a practical and balanced approach, putting clients at ease even during the most stressful litigation periods.” He is also known for being “extremely dedicated to providing expert advice in a professional manner” and has been described as “possibly the most decent man in the legal profession."

Notable Cases

Western Challenge Housing Association v. Percy Thomas Partnership (1995) CILL 1018 QBD - one of the Legal Times/Masons “Best Ten Construction Cases, 1996”

West Kent Housing Association v. Davies (1999) 31 HLR 415 [1998] EGCS 103 CA

R -v- London Borough of Greenwich HBRB ex parte Dhadly LTL 21/10/99, (2000) 32 H.L.R. 829

Berthon Boat Co.Ltd -v- Hood Sailmakers Ltd[2000] E.G.L.R 39, [2000] 08 EG 175 

An application under section 84 of the Law of Property Act 1925 by Alan Howard Fisher LP/31/2006 http://www.landstribunal.gov.uk/judgmentfiles/j527/LP-31-2006.pdf
and an appeal against a prohibition notice under para 7(1) of Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 2004 Ref. No. LON/

AJ/HPO/2009/0008 http://www.rpts.gov.uk/Files/2010/April/000048FQ.htm

Johnson v Luxcool Ltd & Ors [2008] EWHC 1591, QB,[2008] All ER (D) 185

R (Copyright Canary City Ltd) v Thames Magistrates' Court [2010] EWHC 2185 (Admin), [2010] LLR 664

QBD, Ouseley J, 12 August 2010
 
Francis v London Borough of Southwark [2011] EWCA Civ 1418, [2011] All ER (D) 54 (Dec) CA  

Memberships and Affiliations

Member of Society of Construction Law, Civil Mediation Council, Professional Negligence Bar

Association and TECBAR

Member of the Bar Council

Member of Middle Temple Finance Committee

Middle Temple Sponsor


Additional information:

Addressed seminars on arbitration and expert witnesses for the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and Professional Solutions and Services Ltd.

Received training in Advanced Mediation Advocacy