About the practice
A litigation practice built around building disputes
Michael Thornton, Barrister & Solicitor, was established in 2005 as a litigation practice focused on building and construction law and landlord and tenant law. The leaky buildings crisis shaped the practice, and it remains our core work.
Our background
Our leaky building work began acting for property owners. As the crisis spread, we began acting for the other parties caught up in it too, because a leaky building claim can be devastating for everyone involved, not just the owner.
We have represented many owners of stand-alone homes and bodies corporate of all sizes. We have also defended developers, architects, builders, vendors, plasterers and other tradespeople against leaky building claims.
Alongside building claims, we bring and defend claims under the Construction Contracts Act, act in insurance litigation (particularly liability and professional indemnity claims), and act for landlords in disputes arising from the landlord-tenant relationship.
Where we appear
Tribunals and courts
- High Court
- District Court
- Tenancy Tribunal (unit title disputes)
- Weathertight Homes Tribunal (closed to new claims since 2021)
Resolution without a hearing
- Negotiation
- Mediation
- Settlement conferences
- Adjudication under the Construction Contracts Act
How we work
- An honest first view. The first consultation is free. We tell you whether you have a claim worth pursuing, and what it is likely to involve.
- Cost-effective outcomes. We look for the route that resolves the dispute at the lowest sensible cost, which is usually a negotiated settlement.
- Prepared for a hearing. When a matter does not settle, we have the advocacy experience to take it to a tribunal or court.
“We engaged Michael to advise us about a commercial property that had problems caused by inadequate specification and poor construction. Michael’s advice and process resulted in a successful claim against the construction company who paid a significant part of the cost of repair without us having to resort to litigation. Result!”
Practice areas
Defective & Leaky Buildings
Claims for homeowners and bodies corporate since 2005, and defence of builders, developers, designers and their directors.
More about defective & leaky buildings →Construction Disputes
Payment claims, adjudication and building contract disputes under the Construction Contracts Act, for owners and contractors.
More about construction disputes →Body Corporate & Unit Titles
Levies, repairs, rules and governance disputes under the Unit Titles Act 2010, for bodies corporate, committees and owners.
More about body corporate & unit titles →Insurance Claims
Declined claims and policy coverage disputes, especially public liability and professional indemnity policies.
More about insurance claims →Commercial Litigation
Contract disputes, misleading conduct claims under the Fair Trading Act, and landlord and tenant litigation.
More about commercial litigation →Talk to Michael about your situation
The first consultation is free and confidential. Bring any reports, contracts or correspondence you have, and we will explain your options and the likely time limits.
We aim to reply within 24 hours. Every enquiry is held in strict confidence.