MCERLAINE, Michael
Experience
Michael is a senior associate in the Tokyo dispute resolution team at Herbert Smith Freehills. He has been admitted as a Solicitor in England and Wales since 2012 after completing his training at the firm, which included a secondment to the firm’s Tokyo office.
Based in Tokyo, Michael’s practice centres on advising Japanese and international clients from a wide range of industry sectors to resolve their most complex international disputes through arbitration and other dispute resolution methods. He has extensive experience in international arbitration under all of the major institutional rules including JCAA, ICC, LCIA, SIAC, HKIAC and UNCITRAL as well as ad hoc arbitrations seated across Asia Pacific and beyond.
Michael has particular expertise in complex and high-value disputes including claims in fraud as well as M&A, joint venture and shareholder disputes. He has advised on disputes involving jurisdictions across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and North America. Michael also works with clients on multi-jurisdictional anti-bribery and corruption matters (including regulatory investigations), and crisis management. His practice covers a broad range of industry sectors with a particular focus on the energy, pharmaceuticals and financial buyers and private equity sectors. Michael is licensed to advise in Japan as a Foreign Registered Lawyer (Gaikokuho Jimu Bengoshi).
Professional background
Michael holds a LLB (Hons) in Law from Trinity College, University of Dublin which he obtained prior to completing his Legal Practice Course with BPP Law. He worked in the firm’s London office for three years before transferring to the Tokyo office in September 2015. Michael is also a qualified solicitor-advocate.