Michael Brown

Solicitor, Penningtons Manches Cooper

Michael is a partner in Penningtons Manches Cooper's commercial dispute resolution team. He advises clients on a wide variety of financial services and complex commercial disputes as well as on regulatory investigations, enforcement actions, and civil fraud claims.

Michael also has a specialism in group litigation, and acts for SMEs, shareholder and investors in group claims. He has acted in international arbitrations and litigation in a number of high profile cases. His clients include funds, investor groups, banks and other financial institutions, high net worth individuals, SMEs and corporates, particularly real estate investment and development businesses. Sectors involved in the disputes have included renewable energy, oil and gas, real estate, hospitality and financial services.

Michael is ranked as a Leading Individual for commercial litigation in Legal 500. He is also a solicitor advocate.

Contributed to

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Group claims—comparison of the different procedural routes

Practice Notes

This Practice Note provides a high level comparison of some of the different procedural mechanisms for claimants bringing civil group claims (also known as class actions or multi-party claims) in England and Wales. The different procedural routes include: adding multiple parties on a single claim form; proceeding with a sample or selection of lead claims; applying for the claims to be managed using a group litigation order (GLO) under CPR 19, or proceeding by way of a representative claim pursuant to CPR 19 where the individuals have the ‘same interest’ in a claim. This Practice Note considers the main differences between adding multiple parties on a single claim form (referred to as a ‘joint claim’), managing multi-party litigation under a GLO or proceeding by way of a representative claim.

Dispute Resolution

Group claims—which procedural route should I use?

Practice Notes

This Practice Note provides an overview of the different procedural mechanisms for claimants bringing civil group claims (also known as class actions or multi-party claims) in England and Wales. The different procedural routes include: adding multiple parties on a single claim form; proceeding with a sample or selection of lead claims; applying for the claims to be managed using a group litigation order under CPR 19, or proceeding by way of a representative claim pursuant to CPR 19 where the individuals have the ‘same interest’ in a claim. It briefly addresses the requirements for each procedural mechanism, and the guidance given on suitability in case law. It also considers the advantages and disadvantages of each method and provides practical guidance on managing such claims.

Dispute Resolution