Expertise
Michael is a dual-qualified (England & Wales/New York) specialist in international arbitration and commercial litigation, and Co-Head of Gateley’s International Arbitration practice.
For over 13 years Michael has advised clients on international arbitration and commercial litigation matters across a wide range of industries including engineering, construction, power, oil & gas, real estate, pharmaceuticals/life sciences, IT and financial services. Michael has acted as counsel on international arbitrations conducted under the major institutional arbitration rules including the ICC, LCIA, AAA-ICDR, ICSID, as well as ad hoc UNICITRAL arbitrations.
Michael has managed litigation before the English courts, and federal and state courts in the United States. He has significant experience advising clients on disputes involving sovereigns and public international law.
In addition to contentious proceedings, Michael regularly assists clients with advisory matters, including third party funding (for both claimants and funders), immunity issues on disputes and transactions involving states and multi-lateral organisations, and investment restructuring.
Michael previously worked for a major international law firm, spending significant periods practising in both London and New York.
How do you help clients?
I work with private businesses and governments to resolve the complex cross-border and domestic disputes that they face.
Experience
- Advised a South Korean corporation defending a USD 2 billion claim in ICC proceedings arising out of the collapse of a joint venture to construct a new international business district in Incheon, Seoul. Also defended client in a parallel lawsuit brought in federal court in New York (SDNY).*
- Acted for a US defence contractor in LCIA arbitration proceedings against the UK government in relation to the design and development of a state of the art national IT security system.*
- Acted for a US developer in three consolidated ICC arbitrations relating to the design and construction of a flagship commercial and retail development in central Moscow.*
- Acted for a consortium of Chinese lenders in an LCIA arbitration in a dispute relating to the financing of a major real estate project in East London.*
- Worked with various investment firms exploring opportunities to fund or purchase investment treaty arbitrations across multiple jurisdictions.*
*denotes experience at prior law firm