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
Sleep-in shifts update: care providers breathe a sigh of relief
After a long delay, judgment in the Mencap case has finally been handed down by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has upheld the decision of the Court of Appeal…
Uber drivers win in the Supreme Court – what does this mean for the gig economy?
On 19 February 2021 the Supreme Court handed down a unanimous judgment on the case of Aslam & Farrar v Uber, conclusively determining that Uber drivers are workers and not…
Covid-19: How can care home owners weather the pandemic storm?
Research carried out for the BBC suggests more than a quarter of UK care homes are in danger of closing. The industry was already facing long-term financial struggles before Covid-19,…
Employment law update: How Covid-19 is impacting care homes
With continuing pressure on care homes because of the pandemic, and with Covid-19 vaccines recently being introduced, we explore what care home owners should think about to ensure the long-term…
Annual employment law update in association with Herts CIPD
In January 2021, employment lawyers, Louise Attrup and Michael Kerrigan presented a legal update to over 100 HR professionals at the annual Hertfordshire CIPD employment update via Zoom. With employment…
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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.
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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.
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The responsiveness and general manner of Michael was excellent; he was extremely supportive and clear in any advice he gave.
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[Michael was] willing to go above and beyond what was strictly necessary, to get the resolution.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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My matter was dealt with quickly and efficiently and as well as direct contact with the lawyer, the support staff were equally as professional and efficient.
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Michael understood what I needed and was able to help me.