My experience of construction, property and contract cases provides a solid basis for handling professional negligence claims against surveyors, valuers, architects, and solicitors, involving claims of all sizes.
My knowledge and experience of mediation and mediation advocacy is particularly helpful in this area of work when the parties are usually keen to settle without incurring the cost of going to court.
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
For over 25 years I have acted for contractors, clients and other parties involved in many types of building and property-related cases. My experience of construction and property cases also provides a solid basis for handling professional negligence claims against surveyors, valuers, architects, and solicitors, in both local and international transactions.
I am a regular contributor to the World Bank/IFC’s “Doing Business” Reports: this gives me an insight into current trends in making and enforcing claims.
About me
I am the Head of 5 Pump Court Chambers, a set of 57 barristers covering civil, criminal and family work.
I have been a barrister since 1986 and specialise in construction, property and related cases, including contract disputes, claims concerning land, and professional negligence claims against architects, surveyors and other professionals. I am a member of TECBAR, the Society of Construction Law the Construction & Property Mediation Group, and the Professional Negligence Bar Association.
I am a trained mediator and mediation advocate.
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
"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
I am a member of the Professional Negligence Bar Association.
