Insurance & Reinsurance
Michael has experience of a wide range of issues across coverage, policy interpretation and recovery claims. This includes a recent secondment with a specialist insurance firm.
Michael is particularly at ease with technical points, having contributed towards the Insurance Act 2015 at the Law Commission and with a depth of academic background in this field.
Selected Cases
- Mamancochet v Aegis [2018] EWHC 2643 (Comm). Acting for 30 Lloyd’s syndicates, defended a £4m claim in a highly expedited trial on a novel issue of coverage.
- Advising on issues arising from a seven-figure insurance claim, including subrogated recovery against a fraudulent co-insured.
- Successfully obtaining the strike out of a claim against insurers on the basis of coverage.
- Successfully defending a claim against motor insurers at trial on an issue of policy interpretation.
As a pupil, Michael assisted on matters including:
- Spire Healthcare v RSA [2018] EWCA Civ 317. Court of Appeal decision concerning the proper interpretation of an aggregation clause. Assisting Michael Harvey KC and Daniel Shapiro KC.
- Advising on coverage issues concerning public liability and the distinction between property damage and pure economic loss (the principle in Tesco Stores). Assisting Daniel Shapiro KC.
- Advising on a strategic decision as to whether to proceed by subrogated claim or assignment. Assisting Michele de Gregorio.
- Advising on the scope of employer’s liability coverage. Assisting Matthew Boyle.
- Advising on issues of double coverage and notification. Assisting Matthew Boyle.
News
- Daniel Shapiro KC, Michael Harper and Alethea Redfern acted for World Challenge Expeditions Ltd in its successful claim against Zurich Insurance Company Ltd
- DIPT v Sanglier v Apollo: the importance of assessing the evidence, settling reasonably, and understanding the terms on which you contract
Articles
- DIPT v Sanglier v Apollo: the importance of assessing the evidence, settling reasonably, and understanding the terms on which you contract
- Hindsight is 20/20: Assessment of damages in light of Covid-19
Qualifications
- BPTC
- BCL, University of Oxford
- BA Hons, University of Oxford
- Lord Denning Scholarship, Lincoln’s Inn
- Graduate Fund Scholarship, Oxford Law Faculty
Memberships
- COMBAR
Recommendations
“Michael is a future star with exceptional ability, dedication and commitment to the cause.” He “is a go-to counsel for a range of professional negligence claims.”…”He brings a reassuring calm and insight to all matters.”
Chambers & Partners, 2025
“Michael is a tenacious barrister. He is incredibly diligent and leaves no stone unturned. He makes even the most difficult issues digestible for clients.”…”Michael has a real eye for detail and immerses himself in the case. A seriously talented junior, excellent in both his drafting and ability to engage with clients.”
Legal 500, 2025
Technically brilliant and very able in complex matters.
Legal 500, 2024
“Michael is enormously talented and enthusiastic in equal measure. He consumes the facts voraciously and applies the law surgically.”
Rising Star, Legal 500 2022