Acting for legal expenses insurance backed and privately funded cases for over 25 years has given me vast experience of virtually every type of property work, ranging from conveyancing problems to disputes with charities and local authorities, litigation over interests in land, boundaries, public and private rights of way, other easements, nuisance and trespass, party wall disputes, possession cases, disrepair, and homelessness.
My approach
I am told I have a friendly and efficient approach to resolving disputes in a reasonable and economical manner. This is done by identifying the strengths and weaknesses at an early stage and advising clearly as to the most appropriate way of making or defending a claim.
My work
I have worked for over 25 years for landlords and tenants in commercial and residential property cases, with clients ranging from one of the country’s largest housebuilders to local authorities and individuals. The cases involve dispositions of freehold and leasehold interests, possession, rent arrears, disrepair, dilapidations and service charges.Considerable experience of acting in insurance backed and privately funded cases has enabled me to develop ways of enabling warring neighbours to achieve satisfactory outcomes through litigation, mediation, or preferably early informal resolution.
I have successfully appeared in Land Tribunal applications to resist the modification and discharge of restrictive covenants and advised clients regarding the enforcement and variation of such covenants.I deal with virtually all types of property work, ranging from conveyancing problems to disputes over bequests to charities and local authorities, litigation over rights and interests in land, public and private rights of way, other easements, nuisance, trespass, party wall disputes, and homelessness.
As a trained Mediator, I have a substantial advantage in preparing and presenting cases for mediation. I have received formal training in advanced mediation advocacy and fully appreciate the different skills required for mediation.I also have wide experience in building litigation, covering a wide range of disputes from major construction developments to domestic dwellings and industrial workplaces.
About me
I have been a barrister since 1986 and the Head of 5 Pump Court Chambers since 2003.
I specialise in pursuing and resolving disputes in a sensible and efficient manner to obtain the right outcome for the client. I have considerable experience in advising and representing clients in many types of property-related cases. As an adjudicator and trained mediator, I have a substantial advantage in preparing and presenting cases for mediation. I have received formal training in advanced mediation advocacy and fully appreciate the different skills required for mediation.
What my clients say
"After our insurance company had turned down funding for our case, I approached Michael Collard as a direct access client to write an opinion on the prospects of success. The insurer also requested a view on whether their panel law firm had prejudiced our position or whether I had prejudiced the claim. Despite the significant volume of information, Michael very quickly turned around a very detailed and well considered legal opinion, from the perspective of a judge assessing the merits of the case. As someone very inexperienced in handling builders I learnt a lot of important lessons, which I would consider very carefully in future before entering a legal dispute to give my claim the best chances of success. The overall opinion was tough but fair. I was impressed with Michael’s commercial approach of providing practical solutions to encourage settlement of our case. Because of Michael’s opinion, we achieved a far more favourable outcome with our insurer than I had expected, to help resolve our claim." - SS, London Mar 2019
"I have instructed Michael on many varied civil matters over the years. Despite a busy schedule, Michael consistently turns instructions around quickly. In conference he adopts a practical and balanced approach, putting clients at ease even during the most stressful litigation periods. Michael is supported by very friendly and efficient clerks and I have no hesitation in recommending both Michael and 5 Pump Court."
"Michael is extremely dedicated to providing expert advice in a professional manner. His advice and people skills are exceptional"
"Michael Collard (who is a housing lawyer) is possibly the most decent man in the legal profession and extremely able. We use chambers a lot and I am generally impressed. Also Michael is hugely approachable"
