Michael Dougherty

Michael has a busy PI practice on both the Fast Track and Multi-Track, and acts for both Claimants and Defendants. He is regularly instructed in claims arising out of road traffic accidents, Highways Act claims, and occupiers, public and employers’ liability claims. His PI work involves both representation at trial, and also drafting work, including schedules of loss and counter-schedules.

He further advises in conference, drafts pleadings and acts in proceedings involving allegations of low velocity impact and / or fundamental dishonesty.

Michael is developing his clinical negligence practice, and is happy to accept instructions to draft pleadings, schedules and counter schedules, and to advise on liability, quantum, offers and procedural matters.

He has experience of dealing with experts and clients in conference, and with expert evidence in a range of settings. Michael is happy to accept instructions on behalf of both claimants and defendants.

Michael has a keen interest in disputes with a cross jurisdictional aspect, in areas including Personal Injury, and Commercial and Consumer contracts. He is a member of the European Circuit of the Bar.

Michael recently acted for the successful claimant in a contract dispute arising from a substantial wedding holiday involving over 50 guests in the Caribbean.

Michael appears regularly in Fast Track trials, and acts for both Claimants and Defendants providing familiarity with arguments for each. He has a busy paperwork practice drafting pleadings, and advising on prospects, quantum and / or tactics.

Michael has an interest in injuries arising out of accidents abroad and related issues of jurisdiction. His article considering the judgment in Carmelo Labbadia -v- Alitalia (Societa Aerea Italiana S.p.A) [2019] EWHC 2103 (QB), as published in the Personal Injury Law Journal, can be accessed here.

Michael is frequently instructed in cases involving allegations of low velocity impact and fundamental dishonesty more broadly. He provides thorough and critical analysis in conference, drafts pleadings, and acts for both Claimants and Defendants at trial.

You can read about one of Michael’s successes in obtaining a finding of fundamental dishonesty and disapplication of QOCS here

Michael accepts instructions to represent Claimants or Respondents in the Employment Tribunal. He has a particular interest in disability and discrimination related issues.

Michael is regularly instructed in proceedings involving claims for Credit Hire. He acts equally for Claimant and Defendant, and consequently has substantial experience of the arguments advanced by both in litigation.

Michael accepts instructions to advise generally or to appear in the Special Education Needs and Disability Tribunal for Claimants or Respondent local authority and private schools. He has particular experience and sensitivity in dealing with matters involving autism spectrum condition and sensory and auditory processing disorders.

Away from the Bar, Michael is currently researching and writing a book, contemplating strategies and coping techniques to support children, young people and parents / professionals with challenges arising out of neurodiversity and / or anxiety.

Michael is qualified to accept instructions directly from members of the public under the direct access scheme.

He does so in employment and education matters, and is always prepared to undertake a short initial consultation to assess the most appropriate approach to a potential client’s circumstances and issues.

Michael is regularly instructed by insurers to defend claims involving questions of RTA insurance cover, and for property damage, with examples including a claim for damage arising from the collapse of a scaffolding structure, and a claim for damage caused to underground utility cables.