Michael is a senior lawyer in our employment team and has over 9 years’ experience in employment work.
Michael has a diverse range of experience in advising both individual and commercial clients. His practical, supportive and commercial approach to advising clients has seen him build a considerable base of clients across Hertfordshire and North London.
Michael handles a broad spectrum of work ranging from advice on policies and contracts to conducting complex litigation in the Employment Tribunal.
Michael has developed a specialism in advising employers and employees through settlement agreement discussions, including delivering advice to employee groups within large scale redundancy programmes.
Michael works closely with our corporate and dispute resolution lawyers to deliver comprehensive advice to commercial clients.
Expertise
With an extensive experience of advising on all aspects of disciplinary, performance review and sickness absence processes Michael is often called upon to advise his clients on general HR issues or disputes within the workplace.
Michael has advised on a wide range of Employment Tribunal cases including bringing and defending unfair dismissal, constructive dismissal, discrimination and whistleblowing claims.
In recent years Michael has developed niche specialisms in advising on the employment aspects of social media, Employment Tribunal claims under the Agency Worker Regulations and the employment aspects of insolvency.
Michael studied Law at the University of Reading before undertaking the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in London. Michael trained with Debenhams Ottaway, qualified in 2009, he was promoted to associate in 2015 and made senior associate in May 2019.
In Touch
Michael is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association.
Michael Kerrigan's news
Employment law update: navigating HR professionals through the latest furlough scheme changes
This year has been like no other for HR professionals with employment law constantly changing in line with the latest Government developments. Join us virtually on Monday 23 November at…
Furlough scheme extended as the UK enters a second national lockdown
The Coronavirus Job Retention scheme (CJRS) was due to end at midnight on 31 October 2020, with the Job Support Scheme taking over from 1 November. However, following Boris Johnson’s…
Employment law: navigating HR professionals through the Covid pandemic
Join us for an employment law update in association with CIPD Hertfordshire Branch on Tuesday 10 November 2020. Our employment lawyers Louise Attrup and Michael Kerrigan will present to HR professionals,…
Job Support Scheme closed: expansion for closed business premises
The Job Support Scheme is expanding to provide an additional level of support for businesses which are legally required to close as a direct result of national or local lockdown….
Employment update – catch up from 6 April 2020
During the UK lockdown, the focus in UK employment law was the Government Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and it was easy to lose sight of other important changes in law…
-
Michael has been a very trusted lawyer for two companies I have worked for over the past few years; he is extremely diligent and knowledgeable in his profession of employment law and I would not hesitate to recommend him.
-
Initially, you were able to give me advice immediately. Once engaged the service was clear and I was treated with respect. Everything I expected I got (and this is not my first experience of legal services.
-
The responsiveness and general manner of Michael was excellent; he was extremely supportive and clear in any advice he gave.
-
[Michael was] willing to go above and beyond what was strictly necessary, to get the resolution.
-
Michael provided excellent understanding of my needs and was able to facilitate discussions with the other party on my behalf, which took a lot of pressure off myself. I appreciated his frequent updates and advice throughout. I appreciated that there was no pressure for any other future services from the company.
-
When I called to discuss an appointment, my query was dealt with in a professional, clear, helpful way – unlike other local solicitors I contacted with the same query.
-
Michael is extremely professional and always goes over and above what is expected to make sure we get the best possible advice. We have worked together for many years and we are extremely happy with the service we receive.
-
Michael has been dealing with my case and I just wanted to say he is a fantastic solicitor. He made a very stressful issue for me far easier and always took the time to listen to me. I found him to be very pragmatic with his advice, professional and he always responded very quickly. He was a pleasure to deal with and he is most certainly a credit to Debenhams Ottaway. I would not hesitate in recommending him to others.