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
- 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.
- Vibixa Ltd v Komori UK Ltd & ors [2006] EWCA Civ 536; [2006] 1 WLR 2472
News
- HOLMES v S&B Concrete Ltd [2020] EWHC 2277 (QB)
- Crown Office Chambers feature in three of The Lawyer’s Top 20 cases of 2019
Articles
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
“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
a highly intelligent advocate, who has particular experience in group actions”
Chambers & Partners, 2015
“a highly intelligent, very responsive silk”
Legal 500, 2015
“extremely bright..the finest appeal advocate I have ever seen”
Chambers & Partners, 2014