Park Square Barristers

Civil

Pupil

Michael is completing his pupillage under the supervision of Lee O’Sullivan.

During pupillage, Michael has observed numerous cases across commercial and chancery, employment, regulatory, housing and commercial property law. He is now available to accept instructions in these areas.

His experiences includes but are not limited to:-

complex disputes arising from low to high value construction and commercial contracts; credit hire litigation (liability, quantum, impecuniosity, and complex evidential issues); shareholder disputes, debt recovery/money claims, ranging from straightforward enforcement actions to defended, high‑value commercial debt disputes. property litigation, including landlord and tenant disputes, possession proceedings, lease interpretation, and housing disrepair. contested will and probate matters, including will challenges, inheritance disputes, and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act.

Michael has shadowed many hearings over his first three months of pupillage taking the form of applications, trials and mediation. He has also shadowed the coroner at the coroners court and attended inquests.

Michael has observed many commercial matters including:-

building disputes; shareholder disputes; landlord & tenant disputes; banking and finance; commercial mediation; charges and security; and complex breach of contract claims.

In respect of chancery law, Michael has observed other counsel in chambers before the courts in connection with probate, Inheritance Act claims and Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees (TOLATA), as well as disputed trust deeds.

Michael has shadowed chambers director, and head of employment law Chelsea Brooke-Ward on numerous cases including preliminary hearings, employment mediations and final hearings (in person and via CVP) across a number of areas including:-

Unfair dismissal (including automatic unfair dismissal and constructive unfair dismissal) All forms of discrimination (direct and indirect discrimination, failure to make reasonable adjustments, and harassment) Whistleblowing Equal pay Unlawful deduction from wages Worker status Redundancy; and Breach of contract.

Michael has an avid interest in employment law and is keen to build on his practical experiences within the employment law sector, with chambers, which he gained as a law firm owner and football intermediary. He is familiar with the employment tribunal processes and has experience of advising on settlement agreements arising from the sale and acquisitions of businesses.

Michael is also looking forward to developing his sports law knowledge in the future by providing representation to athletes before sport’s governing body disciplinary panels.

Housing and Commercial Property

Michael has observed numerous cases forming part of the housing and commercial property dispute sphere and shadowed counsel from chambers in the County Courts in matters concerning:-

Claims for possession; Unlawful eviction and harassment’ Disrepair; Housing rights affecting those with capacity and mental health issues and physical disability; Commercial Lease disputes; and Anti-social behaviour (including ASBOs, injunctions, committals, possession claims and closure orders).Michael has taken a particular interest in inquests during his pupillage and has shadowed Simon Connolly of chambers in jury inquests.

He has also observed Simon sitting in his judicial role of deputy coroner attending Durham Coroners Court to observe numerous pre-inquest review hearings and inquests.

2025

Present- Member of the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple (London)

Education

2006-2009

University of Sunderland Bachelor of Law (LLB Hons) Second Class Honours (First Division)

2013-2014

University of Northumbria at Newcastle Legal Practice Course Pass with Commendation

2023-2024

De Montfort University Post Graduate Certificate in Sports Law Passed with Distinction.

Career

October 2012 – October 2014

Ian Cruickshank & Co Solicitors, Jarrow Training Contract

October 2014 – January 2015

BHP Law LLP, Durham Office Solicitor

January 2015 – December 2015

Sweeney Miller Solicitors LLP Commercial Solicitor

December 2015 – November 2018

The Richmond Partnership; Durham City Commercial Solicitor

November 2018- December 2025

Michael Cook Law Firm Limited- Seaham, Co. Durham Solicitor and Managing Director

2026

Pupil at Park Square Barristers, Leeds & Newcastle