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Michael Bowsher QC: What the Directories say

Chambers UK, 2010, for procurement, "best performers include Michael Bowsher QC, a true luminary in this field who is admired for his "unparalleled knowledge" of public and utilities procurement law, "terrific client handling and commercial pragmatism." Solicitors admire his "strategic thinking and willingness to try untested arguments," whilst clients respect "his ability to translate complex arguments into innovative and clear points." He played an instrumental role in Lion Apparel v Firebuy, the challenge to the procurement of firefighters' uniforms throughout the UK. In Henry Brothers v Department for Education in Northern Ireland, he successfully challenged a £500 million government construction programme.

"Michael Bowsher QC of Monckton Chambers is renowned for his expertise in disputed procurement, where he "combines a great track record with an ability to exceed expectations." He is well liked as he is "down to earth, adaptable and responsive." " - Chambers UK, 2010

Who's Who Legal, The International Who's Who of Business Lawyers, Public Procurement 2010 states "Monckton Chambers' Michael Bowsher QC is a "remarkable" advocate, repeatedly praised in our research for his extensive knowledge." 

Monckton Chambers' niche is in the crossover between public, EU and procurement law, exemplified by Michael Bowsher QC's excellent reputation for public procurement disputes. Michael Bowsher QC, is 'bright, practical and has incomparable experience of public procurement cases' - The Legal 500, 2009

Chambers UK, 2009 under Construction law recommend "Michael Bowsher QC of Monckton Chambers is included in the tables as a result of his skill and expertise in the arena of disputed procurement. As one of the few with knowledge of this area, he is as likely to be hired as anyone if a tendering process becomes contended."

On Procurement: "[Monckton Chambers] has within its walls 'the most phenomenally knowledgeable procurement specialist out there,' Michael Bowsher QC. He acts in leading cases, such as Lion Apparel Systems v Firebuy, and is much sought after as he is 'solution-oriented, down-to-earth and approachable.' Once in the courtroom, he is 'absolute dynamite,' according to commentators."

The Administrative and Public law section of The Legal 500, 2008, says: " Michael Bowsher QC is ' very intelligent and a real authority on procurement law. His advice is clear, reliable and astute, and commercial'. The EU and Competition section highlights Chambers as having "...a leading reputation in European and procurement law, with ... Michael Bowsher QC very much to the fore." Also in the Construction section, "...internationally-focused Michael Bowsher QC of Monckton Chambers ... [is] recommended."

Chambers UK, 2008 lists Michael as a leading silk for Construction: "With one of the more unusual caseloads in the market, Michael Bowsher QC of Monckton Chambers largely plies his trade in procurement - much of which touches on the construction of public or utility projects. He appeared in the TCC in the case of Village Homes v NE Derbyshire District Council - a matter where those tendering for a PFI contract sued for costs lost due to cancellation of the project. He is adjudged to be an absolute delight to work with and very unstuffy'..."

For Procurement: "The ubiquitous and tremendously talented' Michael Bowsher QC (listed as star performer by Legal 500) has carved out a leading practice in this niche area and advises on an ever-increasing number of public procurement disputes, counselling public purchasers and potential challengers. Clients describe him as 'sensible, commercial and wonderfully collaborative.'..."

The Legal 500, 2007 says: "Michael Bowsher QC is noted for his procurement expertise; his advice is 'clear, reliable and astute to the commercial issues' and he is 'very much on top of his game technically'." and its construction section 'The very able Michael Bowsher QC at Monckton Chambers combines procurement, EU and construction law, recently appearing in 'Village Homes v North East Derbushire Council in which tenderers for a major PFI contract sued for recovery of tender costs lost as a result of the project being cancelled.'

On Construction: "Monckton Chambers' Michael Bowsher QC is envied by many of his contemporaries for the foresight he displayed when engaging in EU procurement law as it related to construction matters. He is now reaping the rewards of his decision, blending advisory work in this area with representation when matters become litigious. Newly elevated to silk, Bowsher is frequently called upon to provide early, neutral evaluation in cases before they enter the TCC and has advised on a gamut of healthcare-connected projects in the past twelve months."

On Procurement: "Michael Bowsher QC is the name on everyone's lips in this field. He has 'an exhaustive knowledge of procurement law, great insight into the workings of the EU and is familiar with all procurement scenarios.' He is also recognised by clients as 'happy to explore new ideas and have a real dialogue.' He advises public authorities on preventative measures and also acts for claimants on the litigious side." - Chambers UK, 2007

On Administrative and Public Law: "Michael Bowsher is commended as 'very intelligent' and a 'real authority on procurement law'."

On Construction Law: '... Monckton Chambers' Michael Bowsher has a 'clear mind and eye for detail'.'

On EU and Competition: "Michael Bowsher is recommended for procurement." - The Legal 500, 2006

On EU/Competition: "Michael Bowsher was unequivocally recognised as "a huge star in the field of EU public procurement" thanks to a strong background in construction and IT. He appeared in Trinity Investments v Guildford BC, a challenge made against the city's plans to build a new civic centre. This case also involved a series of disputes on procurement law grounds concerning challenges brought forward by dissatisfied tenders.

On Construction they mention: "Monckton Chambers' Michael Bowsher is a pioneer at the point where procurement law intersects with pure construction work. He blends advisory work in this area with assistance when its ramifications become contentious. He recently settled a procurement dispute before it entered the trial process." - Chambers UK, 2006