Michael Key

Michael is one of our business disputes partners. He specialises in dispute resolution although, having qualified in 1988, he has enough years of experience to recall when it was known as commercial litigation.

A former partner in a leading north-west law firm, Michael ensures that he uses the right tactics to achieve strategic goals on behalf of his clients and isn't afraid to inform clients when it's appropriate to concede an issue in order to minimise risk or costs.

He's also mindful that costs can quickly spiral out of control if either party remains unreasonably entrenched to its position and that win or lose, time spent in a courtroom is an expensive and fraught occasion. His skill is to provide you with practical commercial advice to ensure you get the best result whatever your circumstances.

I have years of experience dealing with different dispute resolution mechanisms that help clients resolve their disputes in the most cost-effective way possible. I always take a practical commercial view to help clients meet their objectives.

Michael’s experience often involves dealing with high value and complex claims, including:

• Commercial litigation (including corporate and contractual disputes)
• Commercial debt recovery and insolvency
• Construction disputes
• IT Disputes
• Professional negligence
• Minority shareholder, joint venture disputes

Michael is experienced in all forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), including arbitration, mediation, adjudication, expert determination and litigation.

Michael's previous sector experience includes clients in the following industries:

• Technology, particularly IT contract disputes
• Creative industries, including advertising and marketing
• Manufacturing, engineering and construction

A graduate in law from the University of Leicester, Michael also possesses an MSc in Construction and Arbitration Law and is often engaged to resolve disputes arising in the construction industry.

Michael has also taken part in our Spotlight on a Solicitor series, sharing his journey into law and proudest career moments. Read the interview to hear about his life in law.  

Outside work he likes to cycle and support his beloved Huddersfield Town.