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 tribunal ruling set to affect thousands of teachers
Debenhams Ottaway were recently involved in an Employment Tribunal case which could affect the employment rights of thousands of peripatetic teachers across the UK. In the case of Scott v…
It was widely misreported last week that workers in the gig economy now have additional employment protections. The “Good Work Plan” which the government published on Wednesday 7 February indicates…
National minimum wage & sleep-in shifts…the government publishes long awaited guidance
Earlier this year we reported on a judgment which established that the majority of sleep in shifts should be counted as “working time” and therefore paid at National Minimum Wage rate. Following on from this…
Ex-KWM staff to receive £1m in compensation
You will recall that in our August 2017 update we reported on the ongoing dispute involving former employees of defunct law firm King & Wood Malleson (KWM) regarding KWM’s alleged failure to…
Are your employees obliged to disclose their intention to compete?
If you are a business owner, you will know that dealing with the departure of employees can be a time consuming distraction from the day to day running of your…
Camilla GibbsMichael 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.
Mrs Brenda MorrisInitially, 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.
ClientThe responsiveness and general manner of Michael was excellent; he was extremely supportive and clear in any advice he gave.
Ms K Blake[Michael was] willing to go above and beyond what was strictly necessary, to get the resolution.
Bruce MurdochMichael 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.
Claire OwenWhen 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.
Jamie Cook, Managing Director of Louella Belle LtdMichael 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.
