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Michael Curtis KC

Call 1982 • KC 2008

"He is extremely clear, calm and persuasive when on his feet in court."
(Chambers UK 2016)

Product Liability

Michael has many years experience of product liability claims including but not limited to products used in the construction, engineering and energy sectors.  Recent £ multi-million cases have included electrical equipment alleged to have caused a 2 week shutdown of an oil refinery; electrical equipment alleged to have caused a 3 week delay to the completion of a major development; a flue alleged to have burned down a luxury mansion on a private island; a flue alleged to have burned down a factory in the Midlands; and drinks vending machines alleged to have caused fires in various retail premises.  Michael has also acted in a large number of cases concerning product liability insurance policies including disputes arising in the food manufacturing industry.

Selected Cases

  • Acting for insurers in the litigation concerning defective cavity wall insulation.
  • Acting for a major drinks manufacturer in respect of claims arising out of fires in drinks vending machines.
  • Advising in respect of a fire caused by defective electrical equipment which destroyed a large warehouse.
  • Acting for the developers in TCC proceedings arising out of a £0.25 billion property development in Central London.
  • Acting for the defendant fit out contractors in a claim arising out of a burglary at Central London jewelers.
  • Advising in respect of a multi million pound claim in respect of allegedly defective bespoke furniture fitted in a landmark public building.
  • Acting for the suppliers in a multi million pound TCC claim in respect of a fire in a large dwelling house alleged to be caused by a defective flue.
  • Acting for the suppliers in a multi million pound TCC claim in respect of a fire at a warehouse alleged to be caused by a defective flue.
  • Siemens v Supershield (2010) 129 Con LR 52 – Acting for Slaughter & May in the settled litigation to which Siemens and Supershield were Part 20 Defendants. The case concerned a defective float and inlet valve in a water tank at Slaughter & May’s London offices at One Bunhill Row.
  • Three Valleys Water PLC v London Fire & Emergency Planning Authority [2009] EWHC 3109
    • Defective fire hydrants throughout London and the South East.
  • Coal Pension Properties v Nu Way [2009] 124 Con LR 50 – An explosion caused by a defective gas booster pump installed in the plant room at Littlewoods Stores in Oxford Street.
  • Orange Personal Communications Services Ltd v Hoare Lea (A Firm) (2008) 117 Con LR 76
    • Defective water supply system at Orange’s data centre in Bristol.
  • Trac Time Controls v Rowan Plastic Mouldings [2005] All ER (D) 06 (Jan) – Defective polycarbonate floodlights which were supplied around the world.
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Qualifications


  • Ranner Arbitration Prize
  • MSc (Construction & Arbitration Law), Kings College London
  • MA in Law (Oxon)

Memberships


  • ACIArb
  • TECBAR
  • COMBAR
  • LCLBA
  • PNBA
  • LCIA
  • SCL

Recommendations


‘He has a tenacious work ethic and provides clear advice. He is very personable and has an ability to tailor his advice to his audience, whether they be lawyers or laypeople. He has a forensic eye for detail.’

Legal 500, 2024

“He has a tenacious work ethic and provides clear advice. He is very personable and has an ability to tailor his advice to his audience, whether they be lawyers or laypeople. He has a forensic eye for detail.”

Legal 500, 2024

“Michael is highly intelligent, and has an encyclopedic legal knowledge.”

Legal 500, 2022

“Very good with clients, and his explanations are clear and in plain language. He pays great attention to detail and knows his strategy, but is flexible in approach when necessary.”

Legal 500, 2021

“He is an extremely capable technical lawyer, exceptional judgement and strong advocate.”

Legal 500, 2021

“He is undoubtedly a go-to barrister for complex work and is fantastic with clients.”

Legal 500, 2021

“His written advice is a tour de force of the relevant law, covers all the angles and comes up with a practical solution.”

Legal 500, 2020

“Great at getting straight to the detail.”

Legal 500, 2020

“A highly regarded silk.”

Legal 500, 2020

“A very able advocate, who is brilliant in court.”

Legal 500, 2017

“Extremely capable and user-friendly, with a fantastic attention to detail.”

Legal 500, 2017

“Excellent.”

Legal 500, 2017


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