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Michael is a seasoned commercial property litigation solicitor, qualified since 2002, with over two decades of expertise resolving complex disputes between landlords and tenants. Specializing in high-stakes litigation, lease renewals, and strategic advisory work, he represents a balanced client base of 60% tenants and 40% landlords, including those involved in subletting arrangements. His practice spans contentious matters such as evictions, possession claims, service charge disputes, and lease termination challenges, with a unique focus on railway arch tenants, a niche area where he has advocated for tenant rights since 2019. Recognized for his deep sector knowledge, Michael combines courtroom experience with proactive advisory counsel, ensuring clients navigate risks and opportunities in commercial property agreements effectively.
More about Michael
Michael has represented landlords in multimillion-pound redevelopment projects and secured critical land access rights for infrastructure like the London Olympics and major transport schemes. For tenants, he has successfully defended lease terminations, protected renewal rights, and achieved High Court relief from forfeiture. His long-standing focus on railway arch disputes, acting for half his clients in this sector, has positioned him as a leading voice in tenant advocacy, influencing policy discussions and industry standards. A committed member of the Property Litigation Association (PLA), he serves on its Law Reform Committee and previously contributed to the Greater London Authority’s Steering Group on London Working Rents. Michael was heavily involved in the Law Commission’s consultation process on proposed reforms to the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954, bridging litigation expertise with legislative advancement.
Recent Work
Michael’s practice emphasizes strategic resolution of commercial property disputes, with recent highlights including:
Railway Arch Tenancy Advocacy: campaigns and litigation to protect tenants’ rights in railway arch properties, addressing rent fairness, redevelopment threats, and lease security.
High-Profile Redevelopment Disputes: advising landlords on evictions and land access for large-scale projects, including Olympic infrastructure and urban regeneration schemes.
Lease Renewals & Forfeiture Relief: securing favourable outcomes for tenants in contentious lease renewals and High Court relief from forfeiture cases.
Service Charge Disputes: resolving complex commercial service charge conflicts, balancing regulatory compliance with client interests.
Law Reform & Training: Delivering training for MBL and LexisNexis on property litigation trends and contributing to modernizing the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 through Law Commission collaboration.
Michael Large
Partner | Solicitor