Professional Liability
Michael has regularly advised and acted for claimants and for professional indemnity insurers in relation to claims against accountants, solicitors and other professionals. Work has included:
- Acting for claimant in successful claim in negligence against a firm of solicitors in relation to setting up of charitable trust for the Eden Project; allegations of failure to protect co-founder’s interest; conflict of interest and breach of fiduciary duty; loss of a chance measure of damages.
- Acting for defendant accountancy firm in claim in negligence for alleged over valuing of take-over target.
- Acting for commercial surveyors and estate agents meeting allegations of fraudulent misuse of confidential information in connection with development opportunity – valuation of lost net development value – constructive trusts.
- Acting for lending bank in claim in negligence against surveyor in relation to valuation of commercial property to stand as security; issues as to approach to quantum of lender’s award.
Selected Cases
View full profile »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
- 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
“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.’
Legal 500, 2024
“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
“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 KC whom I can’t recommend highly enough.”
Chambers & Partners, 2018
“A very high-quality silk.”
Legal 500, 2017
