The Hon Michael McLaren KC > Fountain Court Chambers > London, England > Barrister Profile
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The Hon Michael McLaren KC
Position
Michael McLaren KC is widely experienced in all areas of commercial litigation, regulation and professional discipline, with particular expertise in aviation, banking and finance, commercial dispute resolution and regulatory law.
Recent experience includes: Olympic Council of Asia v. Novans Jets [2023] EWHC 276 (Comm) (contempt), [2021] EWHC 1063 (Comm) (unjust enrichment and CPR24), LLC Eurochem v. Tecnimont (6.10.22) (anti-suit injunction), Gama Aviation v. MWMMWM [2021] EWHC 2229 (Comm) (non-setting aside default judgment), [2021] EWHC 3667 (Comm) (debarring order), [2022] 4WLUK 364 (summary judgment), Integral Petroleum v. GPB Bank [2000 Jacobs J] (non-setting aside anti-suit-injunction), [2022] EWHC 659 (Comm) (summary judgment), Odyssey Aviation v. GFG [2019] EWHC 1927 (Comm) (aircraft purchase), Bank Mellat v. HM Treasury ($4bn claim), Nesbit v. Acasta [2018] EWCA Civ 268 (construction of insurance policy), acting for litigation funder resisting security for costs in £700m claim, Williams v. SRA [2017] EWHC 1478 Admin (solicitor challenging strike off), Dubai Financial Group v National Private Air Transport Services [2016] EWCA Civ 71 (setting aside default judgment entered simultaneously with alternative service order); Tarom v Jet2.com [2014] EWCA Civ 87 (distinction between causation and assessment of damages); ACG Acquisition v Olympic [2013] EWCA Civ 369 (certificate of acceptance of aircraft).
Career
Called to the Bar 1981; Silk 2002.
Lawyer Rankings
London Bar > Aviation
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 1Described as ‘top of the premier league of aviation barristers,’ Fountain Court Chambers‘ members represent major airlines, lessors and manufacturers in disputes concerning leasing, purchase and redeliveries. Hull damage and loss claims, in addition to fatal incidents also fall within the set’s remit, with barristers representing various parties in accidents involving both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. Akhil Shah KC was instructed by Qatar Airways in its dispute with Airbus over A350 surface degradation, with Rosalind Phelps KC representing the manufacturer; Qatar Airways alleged that paint peeling from these aircraft, exposing the lightning mesh beneath, constituted a safety hazard and grounded several of the type, while Airbus contended that this was merely a cosmetic issue; the matter was settled in February 2023. Head of chambers Bankim Thanki KC is frequently sought out by lessors engaged in litigation around aircraft condition, maintenance obligations and rent payments, while Michael McLaren KC is acting on several disputes concerning business jets. James Cutress KC has expertise in cross-border aviation matters, with notable strength in advising on leasing issues. Giles Robertson is noted for his expertise in financing issues in the aviation sector, including advising on cases where fraud is alleged.
London Bar > Professional disciplinary and regulatory law
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 2Michael McLaren KC – Fountain Court Chambers ‘Michael is very well prepared and outstanding on his feet before disciplinary panels.‘
London Bar > Commercial litigation
(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 4Michael McLaren KC –Fountain Court Chambers
‘Michael is simply excellent with the clients and in the courtroom. He picks up on the dynamics of matters and his analysis of complex factual and legal issues is second to none.‘