Michael Brindle QC

Michael Brindle KC

Call 1975 | Silk 1992

"He is very sharp and strong in his analysis, confident in his conclusions and provides great directions and leadership."

Legal 500, Asia Pacific
Contact Michael
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+44 (0)20 7583 3335
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For enquiries please contact

Luke Diebelius

Luke Diebelius
Team Leader
+44 (0)20 7842 3711
Click here to email

Jamie Thomas
Team Leader's Assistant
+44 (0)20 3873 6851
Click here to email

Expertise

Michael Brindle KC, described as “really at the top of his game”, sits as an arbitrator and has experience in a wide range of arbitral regimes, including those under the auspices of the International Chamber of Commerce, the London Court of International Arbitration, SIAC and UNCITRAL, as well as ad hoc references.

In addition, Michael is currently acting as arbitrator in several on-going SIAC arbitrations, but details of these cases cannot be given for reasons of confidentiality.

 

Notable International Arbitration - As Arbitrator Cases

First Dommo v Petronas (ICC)

Claim for half a billion dollars, relating to offshore oil interests in Brazil.

ENKA v Chubb (ICC)

A topical case running parallel to Commercial Court litigation which reached the Supreme Court in July 2020.

Markel v GenRe (ad hoc)

Reinsurance issues arising from COVID.

SGS v Felix (LCIA)

A disputed claim to own the port of Vladivostock.

Kibaz v Virgo (LMAA)

Effect of sanctions on ship sale.

(1) LVII Investment Management Limited (2) Floreat Private Limited -v- (1) Blue Water Limited (2) Amida Group Holdings (LCIA)

Dispute arising over a high net worth investment contract.

Noomadi Resorts & Residences AG (Liechtenstein) v The Ministry of House & Infrastructure on behalf of the Government of Maldives (PCA)

A dispute over airport construction in the Maldives, triggered by a change in government, leading to a breach of contract claim involving significant financial stakes

PT Cahaya Mulia Energy Konstruksi v China National Technical Import & Export Corporation (SIAC)

A construction-related dispute between Indonesian and Chinese companies, centered on a breach of contract.

Powerchina Resources (Singapore) Holding PTE Limited v Multi-Gold SSDK Resources PTE Limited (SIAC)

A shipping dispute concerning the quality of coal delivered from China to Pakistan.

Apollo Towers Myanmar Limited v Telenor Myanmar Limited (SIAC)

A complex dispute involving mobile phone masts in Myanmar, with two follow-up arbitrations involving different parties.

Dragon Oil v United Petroleum (LCIA)

A dispute over the supply of oil from Turkmenistan.

Eurochem Trading GMBH (Switzerland) v Dreymoor Fertilisers Overseas PTE Limited (ICC)

A dispute between a Dubai purchaser and a Russian seller regarding the supply of fertilizer.

While Michael acts solely as arbitrator now, his background as counsel has enabled him to act in many high-profile and significant arbitrations.

Reported International Arbitration - As Counsel Cases

OMV v Zaver (2015)

Dispute over unpaid oil and gas operating costs under a Joint Operating Agreement. OMV initiated ICC arbitration, but Zaver and OPL contested jurisdiction. The Court of Appeal upheld ICC arbitration for both.

Jivraj v Hashwani (2010)

Successfully representing the claimant in the Court of Appeal, where the court made a ruling that to object to an arbitrator on the grounds of race or religion was illegal. The case concerned a multi-million-pound dispute between two Pakistani businessmen who had entered in a JV agreement. The contract contained a clause that stated that any arbitration should be decided by an arbitrator who was an Ismaili Muslim.

Notable International Arbitration - As Counsel Cases

Econet v VEE Networks

Instructed on behalf of the shareholders in a substantial Commercial Court application to set aside an injunction which had been obtained ex parte pursuant to s.44 of the Arbitration Act 1996 in support of an intended arbitration in Nigeria. The injunction was set aside on the grounds of lack of jurisdiction, misrepresentation and non-disclosure and costs were awarded on an indemnity basis.

Weissfisch v Julius & Ors

Appearing in the Court of Appeal which involved an application by a party to an arbitration agreement to remove the arbitrator or to enjoin him from continuing the reference.

Instructed as lead counsel in a dispute relating to the restrictions on US citizens doing business in Iran under the ICC rules.

Acting in a major clearing bank in a LCIA arbitration over defects in processing systems for credit and debit card transactions.

Defending a £50 million claim brought by arbitration by a major bank against insurers arising out of mortgage endowment mis-selling by the bank.

Instructed as lead counsel in a major financial insurance arbitration matter. The team acted for the insurers under policies of financial insurance exposed to multi-million-pound claims arising out of the collapse of Enron and advised extensively on legal issues and strategy concerning prospective arbitration proceedings.

"A well-known and competent arbitrator."

Chambers & Partners

"An undisputed giant of the commercial litigation Bar, Michael Brindle QC has a wealth of experience in handling the most complex and high-value matters in courts around the world, with a particular focus on disputes involving the banking and financial services sector."

Chambers & Partners

"He is clear in his thinking", says one appreciative source, "and he has all the experience in the Stars at the Bar world, enabling him to decide with ease and clarity if a point is good or bad." His reputation is such that he is the first-choice counsel for a large number of magic circle firms, and is regularly instructed in the most complex and high-profile of cases."

Chambers & Partners

"He takes a very commercial overview and tries to cut to the commercial heart of things." "A lovely silk with a superb practice."

Chambers & Partners (International Arbitration)

"Has an established reputation in the sector and is often appointed as arbitrator or instructed as counsel. He is experienced in bringing matters before the Supreme Court, and he has an active practice in both the London and Singapore markets."

Chambers & Partners, Global (International Arbitration)

"He's an extremely experienced and eminent advocate. He is excellent and has a very assured touch in court." "He is a leader in his field and is highly respected. In terms of his ability to think around the problem and present solutions, he's very good."

Chambers & Partners, Global (International Arbitration)

"A leading silk when acting as arbitrator and counsel. He wins acclaim from commentators for his consistent excellence and deep expertise." "He is well recognised and is always top-notch."

Chambers & Partners (International Arbitration)

"Very practical and pragmatic approach is particularly highlighted by sources, and he is experienced as both an advocate and an arbitrator."

Chambers & Partners (International Arbitration)

"Silk that needs no introduction", "his consistency, efficiency and directness", "have won him many admirers over the years and he is today as popular as he's ever been."

Chambers & Partners (Financial Services)

The Legal 500 – Asia Pacific
  • The English Bar – Commercial: Leading Full-Time Arbitrators (Tier 1)

  • First Class Hons Jurisprudence (1974)
  • First Class Hons Classics (1972)
  • Entrance Scholarship (Ella Stephens)
  • MA, New College, Oxford
  • Westminster School

  • Member, Panel of Advisors to the Attorney-General of Singapore (2015-)
  • Chairman of International Committee of the Bar Council (2008)
  • Chairman of Education & Training Committee of the Bar Council (2004)
  • Head of Chambers (2003-2008)
  • Former Recorder of the Crown Court (2001)
  • Deputy High Court Judge (1999)
  • Part-Time Lecturer at New College, Oxford – Jurisprudence (1976-1982)
  • Bencher of Lincoln’s Inn
  • Chairman of Advisory Council of “Public concern at work”
  • Director of Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund Ltd
  • Appointed to the SIAC, and Kuala Lumpur Panels of Arbitrators (Singapore & Malaysia)
  • Appointed to the DIFC Courts Register of Practitioners (Dubai)
  • President of the Appeals Panel of the Abu Dhabi Global Market
  • Former Chairman of the Commercial bar Association
  • Former Chairman of Bar Council Education and Training Committee and International Committees
  • Former Chairman of Trustees of “Public Concern at Work”
  • Former member of Financial Reporting Review Panel
  • Special advisor to Trade & Industry Select Committee re “Export Licensing and BMARC”
  • Member of Lawyers’ Advisory Committee of Peace Brigades
  • Member of Financial Markets Law Committee

  • “The Vienna Sales Convention and the capital markets” in Capital Markets Law Journal (2008)
  • “The Law of Bank Payments” with Raymond Cox QC: FT law and Tax (1996) (Fourth Edition 2010)
  • “Confidence, Public Interest and the Lawyer” published in Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility by Ross Cranston (1996)
  • “Money Laundering and the Criminal Justice Act 1988”: International Tax Report May 1995 and Tolley’s International Tax Planning (1996 and 2001)
  • “Does Constructive knowledge make a constructive trustee?”, Published in Australian Law Journal and Trust Law and Practice in 1987

  • French (working knowledge)
  • Greek (working knowledge)
  • Italian (working knowledge)
BSB Barristers' Register
Contact Michael
Privacy notice
+44 (0)20 7583 3335
vCard
Download CV
Print

For enquiries please contact

Luke Diebelius

Luke Diebelius
Team Leader
+44 (0)20 7842 3711
Click here to email

Jamie Thomas
Team Leader's Assistant
+44 (0)20 3873 6851
Click here to email

"A well-known and competent arbitrator."

Chambers & Partners

"An undisputed giant of the commercial litigation Bar, Michael Brindle QC has a wealth of experience in handling the most complex and high-value matters in courts around the world, with a particular focus on disputes involving the banking and financial services sector."

Chambers & Partners

"He is clear in his thinking", says one appreciative source, "and he has all the experience in the Stars at the Bar world, enabling him to decide with ease and clarity if a point is good or bad." His reputation is such that he is the first-choice counsel for a large number of magic circle firms, and is regularly instructed in the most complex and high-profile of cases."

Chambers & Partners

"He takes a very commercial overview and tries to cut to the commercial heart of things." "A lovely silk with a superb practice."

Chambers & Partners (International Arbitration)

"Has an established reputation in the sector and is often appointed as arbitrator or instructed as counsel. He is experienced in bringing matters before the Supreme Court, and he has an active practice in both the London and Singapore markets."

Chambers & Partners, Global (International Arbitration)

"He's an extremely experienced and eminent advocate. He is excellent and has a very assured touch in court." "He is a leader in his field and is highly respected. In terms of his ability to think around the problem and present solutions, he's very good."

Chambers & Partners, Global (International Arbitration)

"A leading silk when acting as arbitrator and counsel. He wins acclaim from commentators for his consistent excellence and deep expertise." "He is well recognised and is always top-notch."

Chambers & Partners (International Arbitration)

"Very practical and pragmatic approach is particularly highlighted by sources, and he is experienced as both an advocate and an arbitrator."

Chambers & Partners (International Arbitration)

"Silk that needs no introduction", "his consistency, efficiency and directness", "have won him many admirers over the years and he is today as popular as he's ever been."

Chambers & Partners (Financial Services)

The Legal 500 – Asia Pacific
  • The English Bar – Commercial: Leading Full-Time Arbitrators (Tier 1)

  • First Class Hons Jurisprudence (1974)
  • First Class Hons Classics (1972)
  • Entrance Scholarship (Ella Stephens)
  • MA, New College, Oxford
  • Westminster School

  • Member, Panel of Advisors to the Attorney-General of Singapore (2015-)
  • Chairman of International Committee of the Bar Council (2008)
  • Chairman of Education & Training Committee of the Bar Council (2004)
  • Head of Chambers (2003-2008)
  • Former Recorder of the Crown Court (2001)
  • Deputy High Court Judge (1999)
  • Part-Time Lecturer at New College, Oxford – Jurisprudence (1976-1982)
  • Bencher of Lincoln’s Inn
  • Chairman of Advisory Council of “Public concern at work”
  • Director of Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund Ltd
  • Appointed to the SIAC, and Kuala Lumpur Panels of Arbitrators (Singapore & Malaysia)
  • Appointed to the DIFC Courts Register of Practitioners (Dubai)
  • President of the Appeals Panel of the Abu Dhabi Global Market
  • Former Chairman of the Commercial bar Association
  • Former Chairman of Bar Council Education and Training Committee and International Committees
  • Former Chairman of Trustees of “Public Concern at Work”
  • Former member of Financial Reporting Review Panel
  • Special advisor to Trade & Industry Select Committee re “Export Licensing and BMARC”
  • Member of Lawyers’ Advisory Committee of Peace Brigades
  • Member of Financial Markets Law Committee

  • “The Vienna Sales Convention and the capital markets” in Capital Markets Law Journal (2008)
  • “The Law of Bank Payments” with Raymond Cox QC: FT law and Tax (1996) (Fourth Edition 2010)
  • “Confidence, Public Interest and the Lawyer” published in Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility by Ross Cranston (1996)
  • “Money Laundering and the Criminal Justice Act 1988”: International Tax Report May 1995 and Tolley’s International Tax Planning (1996 and 2001)
  • “Does Constructive knowledge make a constructive trustee?”, Published in Australian Law Journal and Trust Law and Practice in 1987

  • French (working knowledge)
  • Greek (working knowledge)
  • Italian (working knowledge)
BSB Barristers' Register

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