Weightmans LLP

Mickaela has over 25 years’ PQE and became a Partner in 2005. Mickaela specialises in professional liability, regulatory and insurance coverage work and has particular experience of claims against lawyers. Mickaela has acted for a number of large national firms and is well regarded for her skill and expertise in the conduct of complex, high-value indemnity cases. Over the years she has advised on all types of lawyer’s liability claims, including claims involving complex trusts arrangements, taxation, banking, property, fraud, group litigation, consumer protection, personal injury/clinical negligence and, in more recent times, cybercrime. Mickaela is frequently retained to advise on coverage issues pertaining to professional indemnity policies. She also acts as a consultant to law firms who require compliance advice. Mickaela was responsible for the launch of the firm’s risk management consultancy service for lawyers, Compli,  and has been instrumental in the development and growth of Compli. Mickaela is the chai of the Liverpool Law Society’s Regulatory Committee. In that role she is responsible for preparing the Society’s responses to consultation papers issued by the SRA, including those setting out fundamental changes to the way the profession is regulated. Mickaela is highly recommended in the directories and has for many years been recognised as a leader in her field.

Mike Grant has been recognised for many years in the leading directories for his expertise in defending claims against construction professionals , mediation and insurance coverage work. He has been described as "technically astute", "commercial", "robust enough to deal with anything thrown at him" and as the "go to" expert for defending claims against engineers by The Lawyer Magazine. Chambers 2017 said “Mike Grant knows the insurance market inside and out” He featured in The Lawyer Magazine’s Hot 100 for 2014. He has dealt with many complex and high profile cases and is experienced in arbitration and mediation. He has resolved claims worth in excess of £800m by means of mediation. He speaks regularly to professionals and professional bodies about insurance and risk issues. He has been involved with, and has a particular interest in, the development and delivery of consultancy services.

Alex defends professionals facing negligence claims, chiefly in the construction sector, including engineers, architects, design-and-build contractors and surveyors. Alex is skilled in analysing the legal and practical issues in a claim, and gathering and deploying the evidence and arguments in his client’s favour.  This has helped many clients walk away from trial with the claims against them dismissed, and brought many more to successful negotiated conclusion where that is the best outcome. Alex also specialises in insurance coverage disputes, dealing with issues such as fair presentation, breaches of policy conditions, the effect of exclusions, aggregation and double-insurance. A current highlight is a matter in which the Court of Appeal is set to determine a point of law regarding limitation in Third Parties (Rights Against Insurers) Act 2010 claims.  The outcome will be of some significance to all liability insurers, and those seeking to bring claims against them. Alex is recognised by clients for his technical ability, innovation, clarity and pragmatism.