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Michael O'Brien

Partner

London

Michael is a Partner in the firm’s Construction, Engineering and Infrastructure group.  He is a UK-Registered Foreign Lawyer, having qualified in New Zealand.

Michael has over 12 years of experience, specialising in contentious construction matters.  He acts for consultants, architects, contractors, and their professional indemnity insurers across a variety of claims and contractual disputes,

His practice involves high-value, multiparty disputes, both within the UK and internationally, particularly in relation to fire and building safety.  He has considerable experience of litigation in the High Court and all forms of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation, adjudication, and arbitration.  In recent times, Michael’s experience includes acting for an AJ100 architect (and its insurers) in a £40m+ multiparty claim arising from a care home fire at a PFI project, successfully defending an international practice of architects in Dubai proceedings (claim value £250m+) arising from a fire at a luxury hotel, and defending a multinational consultant in a substantial claim concerning MediaCity in Manchester.

Before joining Beale & Co in 2017, Michael worked for 6 years at a national law firm in New Zealand, where he gained experience (including courtroom advocacy) on a wide range of contentious matters, including acting for insurers and construction professionals in a number of High Court proceedings arising from large earthquakes and other natural disasters.

  • T: +44 (0) 20 7469 0461
  • E: m.o'brien@beale-law.com
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Background

Education:

University of Auckland, New Zealand, LLB (Honours) University of Auckland, New Zealand, BA (History)

Practising Rights from:

SRA RFL, New Zealand

Areas of Expertise

  • Professional indemnity
  • Disputes

Individual Awards

Testimonials

Michael O'Brien is a star with a huge brain and great attention to detail.Legal 500 UK 2025 - Insurance – Professional Negligence
Nathan Modell and senior associate Michael O’Brien provide high-quality, strategic advice, getting to the key issues quickly and effectively.Legal 500 UK 2024 - London Employment - Health and Safety

Articles by this Author

  • The Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report: Government response

    February 2025
    Daniela Miklova, Michael O'Brien, Michael Salau and Joanna Lewis
  • Vista Tower: Remediation Contribution Order awarded against 76 companies for over £13 million

    February 2025
    Michael O'Brien and Emily Hunt
  • New (Cladding) Remediation Acceleration Plan: prompt action and stronger powers!

    December 2024
    Michael O'Brien, Charlie Bayliss and Kayleigh Rhodes
  • URS Corporation Ltd v BDW Trading Ltd [Case ID: UKSC 2023/0110]

    December 2024
    Sheena Sood and Michael O'Brien

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