Michael Barnes QC

Practice Overview

Michael practises mainly in property law and administrative law. Over recent years he has been in cases in the House of Lords or the Privy Council concerning landlord and tenant law, the rules of natural justice, estoppel and compensation and compulsory acquisition. In recent years he has been in cases in Hong Kong and the Cayman Islands.

Michael has been the chairman of a public inquiry into a nuclear power station which lasted over a year and has conducted long arbitrations and inquiries lasting over 80 days. He also has a large advisory practice in all the main areas of property law. He is a former editor of Hill and Redman's law of landlord and tenant as well as the author of other books on aspects of landlord and tenant law, and of numerous articles in legal journals.

Professional Reputation

Chambers & Partners, 2009:

The "exceptionally bright" Michael Barnes QC is a lawyer of "enormous experience" who is particularly distinguished as a result of his flawless reputation in rent reviews and valuations.  "Best used on high-end cases where a lot is a stake", he recently appeared in Penny's Bay Investment Company v Government of Hong Kong, arguing the meaning of injurious affection. 

Chambers & Partners, 2008:

Michael Barnes QC stands out due to his expertise in rent review cases and "is always prepared to put his heart into an argument". His advocacy is described by commentators as "pretty fearsome - he takes no prisoners",  one solicitor declared:  "I wouldn't want to be cross-examined by him, that's for sure!"

Qualifications & Appointments

• First Class degree in Law at Oxford University
• Deputy High Court judge
• Former recorder
• Bencher of the Middle Temple
• Honorary research fellow at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford
• A former visiting fellow of the Law School of the University of Auckland in New Zealand

Memberships

• Chancery Bar Association
• Planning and Environment Bar Association
• Property Bar Association
• Administrative Law Bar Association

Publications

Former editor of Hill and Redman's law on Landlord and Tenant

Hill and Redman's Law of Rent Review

Former contributor to Halsbury's Laws on Landlord and Tenant

Numerous articles in legal journals