Michael Joseph Harakis

Michael is a Consultant to LCI Law, handling English-law shipping dispute resolution.

Michael has over 20 years of experience, having acted for and against individuals, multinationals, international organisations and states in various forums including the English Courts, Greek Courts, Cypriot Courts, the European Court of Justice and in arbitration under the LCIA, LMAA, ICC and ad hoc rules. 

He is a Solicitor Advocate of England and Wales and the British Virgin Islands, an Advocate of Cyprus Courts, and a Fellow of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.  He has appeared as an advocate both in arbitration and in the Commercial Court.

Michael has also provided expert evidence on English commercial law in courts in California, Heraklion, Malta, New York (including appellate level), Piraeus and Volos.

Experience

• Negotiated and represented the UK at the United Nations on what came to be known as the Rotterdam Rules.
• Involved in Intertanko v SoS for Transport C-308/06 (validity of ship source pollution directive in international law), West Tankers C-185/07 (legality of anti-suit injunctions in support of arbitration), Commission v Italy (whether traffic rules on use of vehicles interfered with free movement rights), Eurotunnel v UK and France ad hoc arbitration and Heinrich C-345/06 (whether secret aviation security rules could have the status of law).
• Researched and drafted papers on insurance law reform and, in particular, late payment of claims.

Accreditations

Michael appeared before the Commercial Court in F&M Bunkering v Bulgarian River at a hearing in 2012, and in his reported decision the judge, Mr Justice Burton J, referred to Michael’s “powerful submissions” and to him arguing his case “very forcefully”.

Memberships & Associations

Law Society of England & Wales
Fellow of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Member of the Limassol Bar
Supporting member of the LMAA

Languages

Michael is fluent in English and Greek