Michael O'Shea

Michael O'Shea

Mediator, Solicitor & Chartered Surveyor

Short Introduction

Michael offers a rare combination of experience both as a qualified Chartered Quantity Surveyor and practicing Solicitor. This experience has been invaluable in his legal career and has been a key part of his approach to mediation. He understands the technical and financial issues underpinning disputes in the sector. This appreciation of the commercial realities faced by parties underpins his ability to find solutions against the challenging background of how the industry operates in this challenging and ever changing sector.

Testimonials

"Michael O'Shea is an exceptionally talented and commercially aware lawyer with a strong customer focus, ideal to deal with."

Client Feedback

"He is my go-to when I need help, is very calm under pressure, very knowledgeable, and always delivers."

Client Feedback

"He provides an excellent personal, practicable and knowledgeable service."

Chambers & Partners – 2024

About Work

Michael has been actively involved in mediation for over 30 years. This has been as advisor, trainer and mediator. He is known for his ability to deal with high value and technically challenging construction disputes across all sectors in the industry. This includes those involving valuation & quantum issues, delay and disruption in which he draws on his extensive construction and commercial knowledge and experience. He was Head of Dispute Resolution & Management – Construction at Gowling WLG (UK) LLP (previously Wragge & Co) for 15 years and is extremely well respected by his peers who recognise both his legal ability and commercial approach to dispute resolution. He is a trusted advisor to a number of key clients for whom he has acted for in excess of 25 years. Michael brings a combination of interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving abilities to help parties resolve their issues. He is known for his ability to engage with the parties, to really understand the issues and demands they face. Clients have commented on the real value they see in his measured, balanced and yet challenging approach. They also recognise the way in which he builds confidence and respect, creating the perfect environment in which they can openly and honestly discuss, debate and be challenged on the issues in dispute. He then guides the parties to explore options, and ultimately work hand in hand with them toward a mutually acceptable resolution of the dispute.

Expertise

  • Commercial & Corporate
  • Construction, Property & Planning
  • Industry, Energy & Environment

Languages

  • English

Other Awards

Legal 500 – 2025 – Leading Individual - https://www.legal500.com/firms/3617-gowling-wlg/r-england/lawyers/2164620-michael-oshea Chambers & Partners 2025 – Leading Individual - https://chambers.com/lawyer/michael-oshea-uk-1:4141 Best Lawyers UK 2025 – Ranked Individual - https://www.bestlawyers.com/united-kingdom/construction-law

Memberships

Civil Mediation Council
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Evaluative Mediation