Bio
Michael has more than 20 years’ experience in all aspects of commercial litigation including in domestic and international arbitration tribunals.
He has particular experience in administrative law and constitutional challenges primarily relating to the challenge of tender awards by the State. He has advised South African and international corporations, financial institutions, governments and regulatory bodies in respect of a wide range of disputes across the African continent that require proactive and effective solutions.
Michael focuses on dispute avoidance and risk management, with an emphasis on early assessment of the matter and a careful consideration of all aspects before taking action, in order to ensure that the client adopts the right strategy.
In Jersey, Michael has advised clients in sanctions-related matters and trust matters, and intends to utilise his experience in insolvency and commercial litigation generally.
Michael began his career at Damant Bostock in Johannesburg, South Africa, before moving to Cliffe Dekker Fuller Moore (as it then was) and then Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs (ENS Africa) where he was a partner for 17 years. He then spent a year at practising in Jersey before joining Appleby.
Bio
Michael has more than 20 years’ experience in all aspects of commercial litigation including in domestic and international arbitration tribunals.
He has particular experience in administrative law and constitutional challenges primarily relating to the challenge of tender awards by the State. He has advised South African and international corporations, financial institutions, governments and regulatory bodies in respect of a wide range of disputes across the African continent that require proactive and effective solutions.
Michael focuses on dispute avoidance and risk management, with an emphasis on early assessment of the matter and a careful consideration of all aspects before taking action, in order to ensure that the client adopts the right strategy.
In Jersey, Michael has advised clients in sanctions-related matters and trust matters, and intends to utilise his experience in insolvency and commercial litigation generally.
Michael began his career at Damant Bostock in Johannesburg, South Africa, before moving to Cliffe Dekker Fuller Moore (as it then was) and then Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs (ENS Africa) where he was a partner for 17 years. He then spent a year at practising in Jersey before joining Appleby.
Work Highlights
- Advised various trust companies in relation to the representation of high-net-worth individuals (and others) pursuant to the implementation of sanctions
- Obtained freezing injunction against an individual who had defrauded a company selling funeral plans in a highly publicised case
- Acted for Student Accommodation Group in a challenge to the award of a tender for the construction of student accommodation for the University of Fort Hare
- Acted for Pearson Publishers in the challenge of a tender award for the supply of textbooks to state schools
- Furnished several opinions to Tiger Brands relating to their insurance cover arising out of the Listeriosis outbreak in 2017
- Represented Tiger Brands in litigation against its insurers in a claim for financial loss arising out of the Listeriosis outbreak
- Advised various trust companies in relation to the representation of high-net-worth individuals (and others) pursuant to the implementation of sanctions
- Obtained freezing injunction against an individual who had defrauded a company selling funeral plans in a highly publicised case
- Acted for Student Accommodation Group in a challenge to the award of a tender for the construction of student accommodation for the University of Fort Hare
- Acted for Pearson Publishers in the challenge of a tender award for the supply of textbooks to state schools
- Furnished several opinions to Tiger Brands relating to their insurance cover arising out of the Listeriosis outbreak in 2017
- Represented Tiger Brands in litigation against its insurers in a claim for financial loss arising out of the Listeriosis outbreak
Recognition
Recognised as a leading / recommended lawyer in litigation in South Africa by Best Lawyers 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 and a Key Lawyer in 2023 Legal 500 Jersey.
Recognised as a leading / recommended lawyer in litigation in South Africa by Best Lawyers 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 and a Key Lawyer in 2023 Legal 500 Jersey.
Qualifications & Education
- Solicitor of England and Wales
- Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
- Bachelor of Laws 1994, University of the Witwatersrand
- Bachelor of Commerce 1992, University of KwaZuklu-Natal, Durban
- Solicitor of England and Wales
- Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
- Bachelor of Laws 1994, University of the Witwatersrand
- Bachelor of Commerce 1992, University of KwaZuklu-Natal, Durban
Memberships & Associations
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
- Legal Practice Council of South Africa
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
- Legal Practice Council of South Africa
