Product Liability
Michael frequently advises and acts for liability insurers in relation to product liability claims. This has included the defence and settlement of group actions He also acts for claimants. Work in this area includes:
- Acting for Claimants in test cases on liability of electricity distribution network operators for fires caused by supply side equipment (overheating mains cut-out fuses).
- Acting for suppliers of machinery facing fire damage claims. Issue whether a claim for breach of statutory duty (in respect of property damage and economic losses) for non-compliance with regulations implementing the Machinery Directive 89/392 EEC.
Selected Cases
- The Seroxat Group Litigation (2019-2020) – Instructed in the Seroxat Group Litigation in both the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
- Smith & Ors v South Eastern Power Networks [2012] EWHC 2541 (TCC) – Test cases determining the liability of the electricity distribution industry for fires caused by overheating mains cut-out fuses.
- The LINKWISE/EUROSOFA DMF GROUP LITIGATION, acting for public liability insurers of Argos Ltd and Homebase Ltd facing several thousand claims under the Consumer Protection Act in respect of alleged allergic reactions to chemicals in furniture supplied (ultimately settled by means of a Court supervised scheme)
- Vibixa Ltd v Komori UK Ltd & ors [2006] EWCA Civ 536; [2006] 1 WLR 2472
News
- The Legal 500 UK Bar Awards 2022 Nominations
- A cautionary tale- the importance of an expert witness remaining independent
Articles
- A cautionary tale- the importance of an expert witness remaining independent
- Michael Kent QC reviews the Supreme Court judgments of Barclays Bank Plc & WM Morrison Supermarkets Plc
Qualifications
- Inns of Court School of Law (1973 – 1975)
- BA (Hons) Politics, University of Sussex (1970 – 1973)
- Nautical College, Pangbourne (1965 – 1969)
- Recorder of the Crown Court
- Deputy High Court Judge (Queen’s Bench Division and Administrative Court).
- He is a Bencher of the Middle Temple
Memberships
- London Common Law and Commercial Bar Association (Chairman 2011-13)
- Administrative Law Bar Association
- Tecbar
- Chairman of working group on expert witnesses for Inns of Court College of Advocacy (2018)
Recommendations
“His knowledge of the law is encyclopedic and his attention to detail is phenomenal.” “He is very good on his feet and technically excellent.”
Chambers & Partners, 2022
“Able to hone in on the crucial aspects of the matter at hand and his advice is second to none – Michael has a keen commercial awareness but is also up for the fight when it needs to be fought.”
Legal 500, 2022
“A very accomplished and well-respected advocate with a good command of the law.” “A very good advocate who is highly regarded in his field.”
Chambers & Partners, 2021
“Regarded with the utmost respect by peers and also by the judiciary.”
Legal 500, 2021
“Always a calm and measured presence in conference and courtroom alike. His advocacy skills are excellent, as is his ability to provide clarity in the most complex of cases.”
Legal 500, 2021
“He has the most wonderful advocacy style – he’s calm, silky and measured.” “He is hugely intelligent and pleasure to work with.”
Chambers & Partners, 2020
“He is particularly strong handling high-profile group litigation.”
Legal 500, 2020
“A highly skilled advocate who is able to get to grips with the most complex of issues…The epitome of a smooth operator. An excellent QC whom I can’t recommend highly enough.”
Chambers & Partners, 2018
“A very high-quality silk.”
Legal 500, 2017
“He has a profound understanding of legal principles and how to construct a case.”
Legal 500, 2017
“he is very well respected and you would instruct him in any significant disease cases”
Chambers & Partners, 2016
very intelligent and capable of very quick thinking on his feet”
Legal 500, 2016
