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
Articles
- A cautionary tale- the importance of an expert witness remaining independent
- Michael Kent KC 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 2000-2022
- Deputy High Court Judge (Queen’s Bench Division and Administrative Court) 2010-2022.
- 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 advocacy is beautiful and just so smooth.”…”He reads the room very well and just gets it.”
Chambers & Partners, 2025
“He is excellent. He is hugely experienced, remains claim at all times. He is tactically superb, intelligent and is always one step ahead of his opponents.”
Legal 500, 2025
“Michael is a legendary figure who is phenomenally knowledgeable and a really brilliant appellate figure who is trusted by judges.”
Chambers & Partners, 2024
“He has a profound grasp of the law and combines that with diffident but highly effective advocacy.”…”He is one of the best appellate advocates solicitors have seen. He has a profound grasp of the law and combines that with diffident but highly effective advocacy. He is a real pleasure to work with, both one to one and as part of a wider team.”
Legal 500, 2024
“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
