Michael Jones, QC

Senior Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution.

Partner from 2008

Michael can justifiably claim to have an unrivalled practical understanding of the process of litigation. His experience has been gained from a legal career spanning more than 30 years so far, practising at the Scottish Bar and at the Bar of England and Wales. He is widely regarded as the leading Advocate of his generation.

He brought that experience and understanding to bear when, as a member of Lord Coulsfield's Working Party on Court of Session Procedure, he introduced the concept of compulsory pre-trial negotiation in personal injury actions (66% of all Court of Session business), which has been incorporated into the new Rules of Court. As a result of that procedural change, claims are now settled earlier than under the previous system, with substantial savings in costs for defenders.

Taking that approach forward under Michael's leadership, Simpson & Marwick are committed to the efficient, effective and early resolution of disputes on their clients' behalf, by negotiation and mediation wherever possible. Having pioneered the use of electronic preparation and presentation in major litigations, he is developing that technology with Simpson & Marwick's specialist teams, further strengthening the firm's dispute resolution capabilities.

Michael has extensive experience in commercial law. As an Advocate, he has undertaken high profile cases on behalf of leading international corporate clients in the spheres of aviation,  oil and gas, the media and product liability.

Michael Jones QC is a part-time Chairman of the Police Appeals Tribunal, and a Judge of Appeal in Jersey and in Guernsey. He was appointed visiting Professor to the Glasgow Graduate School of Law in 1999, and is a member of the Law Society of Scotland's Personal Injury Law Specialisation Panel.

Specialisms