Michael Brindle QC has a vast amount of experience in a range of legal areas. He is often described as a “first-class advocate who has stunning legal insight” with an “Unparalleled knowledge of banking law”, is highly regarded in the commercial market, as well in fraud and civil law.
With an unprecedented amount of knowledge and experience in litigation and arbitration,
Michael has also been appointed as an expert in US proceedings on behalf of Bank of New York and also described as “Really at the top of his game” when sitting as an Arbitrator and as Counsel in arbitration disputes.
He has experience in both capacities of a wide range of arbitral regimes, including those under the auspices of the International Chamber of Commerce, the London Court of International Arbitration, SIAC, UNCITRAL and the City Disputes Panel, as well as ad hoc references.
How do you prepare yourself for complex arbitration?
I read the papers extensively. I also try to absorb the cultural differences between the parties, but as well as this, if English law applies, to isolate the crucial legal issues.
What different challenges do you face in USA Courts, in comparison to UK Courts?
I do not appear in US courts, but have sat in as an AAA [American Arbitration Association] arbitrator. I have found no particular challenges when doing so.
Since you were called to the Bar in 1975, what has been the most significant change that has impacted your work?
The (failed) attempt by solicitors to try take over the work of the Bar.
What has been your favourite case since being called to the Bar, and why?
Bank Mellat v the Treasury 92013) in the Supreme Court. I won 5:4, but the case has transformed public law in England. An Iranian bank succeeded in an argument that the British Government had behaved irrationally towards in the application of sanctions against involvement in potential nuclear-related activities.
Michael Brindle QC
Fountain Court Chambers
Fountain Court, Temple
London EC4Y 9DH
The “very impressive” Michael Brindle QC is a highly regarded and hugely-experienced Silk with a considerable international and commercial practice. His broadly based practice encompasses commercial litigation, international arbitration, banking and finance, company law, professional negligence in financial and commercial matters, insurance and international trade. In this regard, Michael Brindle QC is currently listed by Chambers & Partners 2016 UK edition as a “Star at the Bar”, as well as previously being awarded “Barrister of the Year” as the Lawyer Awards 2010.
The “brilliant heavyweight litigator” Michael Brindle QC “first-class lawyer” has experience in City-related matters, including litigation arising out of audits, take-overs and rights issues.
Michael Brindle QC regularly provides expert evidence on English law to foreign courts or tribunals and has done so recently for cases before courts in the USA.
While it is possible to trace Chambers’ origins back to the early part of the Twentieth Century (when it is thought to have been based in Hare Court), its period of sustained success dates from after the Second World War. Over the years, members of Fountain Court Chambers have appeared in many landmark cases and high profile commercial disputes. Numerous members of chambers have gone on to hold high judicial office. Fountain Court is also proud of its historic and continuing academic links. In September 2014 Chambers opened a new office in Singapore’s financial district, in the Ocean Financial Centre. This is an exciting and significant development in the evolution of Fountain Court, with a view to assisting the establishment of the new Singapore International Commercial Court in 2015.
Fountain Court Chambers represent financial institutions and funds, insurers and re-insurers, private clients and government, taking instruction from solicitors or directly from in-house counsel.
Their clients continue to express their appreciation of both our barristers’ legal skills and their personalities.
