Michael Oatham

I am a commercial dispute resolution partner dealing with litigation and dispute resolution cases in the business sector. My expertise involves commercial contracts, corporate insolvency, directors’ duties and liabilities, shareholder disputes, partnership and limited liability partnership cases, intellectual property and defamation.

Before qualifying as a solicitor I worked in banking and asset finance and through this I came to appreciate the difference of emphasis between those who are actively engaged in business and those who might be described as “traditional” advisors. This has shaped the way I work in that I focus upon my clients’ objectives and never to adopt a “one size fits all” approach to the dispute resolution process.

I qualified as a solicitor in 1996 and was awarded a Diploma in Litigation Practice in 2000. I joined Brachers from a top regional firm in 1998 and specialise in litigation and dispute resolution. Notable cases include Fuji Seal Europe Ltd v Catalytic Combustion Corporation. I became a partner in 2004.

In my spare time I have a varied and creative second life. I particularly enjoy DJing and music production. I enjoy sports and am a lifelong fan of Leeds United in particular. I am an occasional golfer who possibly trades too much on past glories (rather like my football team, some might say!). In my quieter moments I enjoy reading and am particularly interested in the growing links between science and what some might call the alternative arena.