Michael Radcliffe

I am a partner in the Forensic and investigation services team.

I have specialised in forensic accounting since 2003, with a particular focus on complex cross-border litigation and arbitration often involving an investigative element.

I advise clients, and their legal advisers, in disputes arising from breaches of contract, allegations of fraud or misappropriation, and investment treaties. Many of the disputes I've advised on have involved matters in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Middle East.

These engagements have typically required a combined investigative and expert witness skillset, and collaboration with specialists from multiple disciplines across jurisdictions and industries. My sector experience includes natural resources, financial services, private equity and consumer products amongst others.

In addition, I am experienced in advising clients during the sale or purchase of businesses, particularly in the preparation and review of completion accounts, the preparation of objection notices, and through the expert determination processes including submissions to experts.

Highlights of my litigation and arbitration experience:

• Expert witness including testimony in a multibillion dollar arbitration concerning alleged fraud and the diversion of profits away from an oil and gas company by the business’s management in an Eastern European state
• Expert witness in an LCIA arbitration concerning the losses alleged to have been suffered as the result of the alleged wrongful termination of a distribution agreement in the Middle East
• Expert witness evidence (including testimony) in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in relation to the proper apportionment of dividends attributable to profits earned before the closing of a transaction between disputing shareholders
• Expert witness (including testimony) on quantum of loss in a EUR100 million English High Court litigation between an automotive parts supplier and a car manufacturer
• In connection with the collapse of a Middle Eastern bank, provision of forensic accounting evidence in the English High Court regarding the sources of funds used to acquire various assets, the ownership of which was disputed.