As Head of 5 Pump Court Chambers, Barrister, TECBAR Adjudicator and Mediator, and Mediation Advocate I specialise in building, property, and other related disputes.
I frequently bring my experience of construction and property cases to bear in professional negligence claims against surveyors, valuers, architects, and solicitors, in both local and international transactions.
In landlord and tenant matters, my cases include dispositions of freehold and leasehold interests, possession, rent arrears, disrepair, dilapidations and service charges. I am also highly experienced in boundary disputes, restrictive covenants and general property work, including contractual and insurance coverage issues.
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, defending, and resolving a claim. My role as Head of 5 Pump Court Chambers, a set of 57 barristers, for the last 12 years has given me added insight into the best ways of dealing with people and problems, on both a personal and professional level. I aim to take a fair but firm approach and to use the skills I have been taught and have acquired by observation to give a highly professional service as a mediator or as a party's representative at a mediation.
My work
Acting in mediations iinvolving building claims, commercial issues, and neighbour disputes has confirmed the usefulness of mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Mediation requires a different approach to courtroom advocacy, and the advocate's role is to assist in reaching the most satisfactory and acceptable outcome. I have achieved this in mediations to date, and I am ready to advise by telephone, in writing, or by having a meeting either at my historic premises at 5 Pump Court, Temple, London EC4Y 7AP or any location that suits the client.
About me
I am an accredited mediator and increasingly in demand to assist with preparing cases for mediation and to act as an advocate during mediations.I am an acknowledged expert in commercial property cases, construction-related litigation, professional liability, and landlord and tenant law. With over 25 years’ experience at the Bar and an exemplary reputation, my clients range from major corporations to local authorities and individuals.
I have substantial experience of conducting Technology and Construction Court (TCC) and other building litigation. My cases cover a wide range of disputes from major construction developments to homes and industrial workplaces. As a TECBAR Adjudicator since 1998, I am also extremely well placed to advise on the performance and enforcement of adjudications.
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"
Professional & academic
Included in ORBA List of Adjudicators 16 October 1998
TECBAR Accredited Adjudicator 30 May 2003
Accredited Mediator 5 March 2008
Appointed to TECBAR’s lists of accredited mediators and adjudicators 12 July 2013.
