Michael has been a construction lawyer for nearly half a century and has sat as arbitrator for the last 35 years. He ceased accepting instructions as counsel in 2025.

The geographical focus of his practice is London, Africa, the MENA region, India and Singapore although he has experience in many other jurisdictions from the Solomon Islands to Brazil. He has sat in over 150 arbitrations under both common law and civil substantive laws, subject to numerous local and international rules in addition to ad hoc procedures.

The Legal 500 states, “As an arbitrator, he is exceptionally fair, measured and thoughtful, whilst remaining utterly charming towards the parties. He is a consummate professional who is at the top of his game as an arbitrator, with decades of experience in complex commercial disputes all around the world.”

Michael’s particular interests lie in the more commercial aspects of development, energy and infrastructure projects as well as the adoption of emerging technologies.

Michael was part of the team that originally drafted Parts 60 (Technology and Construction Court Claims) and 62 (Arbitration Claims) of the English Civil Procedure Rules. He served as a deputy judge of the Technology and Construction Court and deputy High Court Judge.

In 2022 Michael was appointed a judge of the DIFC Court of Appeal and Judge in charge of the Digital Economy Court. He now divides his time between his judicial duties and sitting as arbitrator.