Michael Callaghan
Partner
Dispute Resolution
E: Michael.Callaghan@kingsley-wood.com
Michael is a highly experienced Solicitor, Notary Public, and Mediator with over three decades of legal practice. Since qualifying as a solicitor in 1992 with a major City firm, he has built a strong reputation in litigation, property disputes, and notarial services. Over the years, he has held senior leadership positions including Head of Litigation, Equity Partner, COLP, and MLRO, helping to manage and grow successful law firms while maintaining a client-focused approach. His extensive experience across multiple disciplines enables him to bring both technical expertise and commercial awareness to every matter he handles.
about
Michael’s career has been defined by his versatility and dedication to excellence in legal practice. After qualifying in 1992, he gained significant experience working with a number of respected City and West End firms before becoming a partner in 2001. During this time, he developed a deep understanding of litigation processes across all levels of the English courts and tribunals. His leadership roles in firm management over the past 20 years have given him a unique perspective on client care, regulatory compliance, and business development—qualities that continue to influence his work today.
Recent Matters
my work
Michael specialises in Property Litigation, General Commercial Litigation, and Notarial work for both individuals and corporations. He has represented clients in a wide range of disputes, appearing before almost every court and tribunal in England and Wales. Alongside his litigation practice, Michael qualified as a Mediator with CEDR in 2002, giving him valuable insight into dispute resolution dynamics, and as a Notary Public in 2019, following his early recognition of how Brexit would reshape cross-border documentation processes. Since founding his own notarial practice, his client base has expanded rapidly—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic—gaining him over 440 five-star client reviews on his notarial business website, a testament to his professionalism and commitment to outstanding service.
Interest
about me
Outside of his professional commitments, Michael leads an active and well-rounded life. A passionate traveller, he has recently visited China, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Patagonia, embracing his curiosity for new cultures and experiences. He enjoys sports—though he admits he now prefers watching to playing—along with golf, pub games, theatre, reading, and time with his family.
Michael has been married to his wife, Rebecca, for over 30 years, and they share two children: Jessica, who works as an editor for a London publishing firm, and Joseph, currently studying Biological Sciences at university.
Awards & Experience
my expertise
Michael holds an LLB (Hons) from the University of Birmingham and earned his Notarial Practice qualification from University College London. He has been a Solicitor since 1992, a Mediator (CEDR) since 2002, and a Notary Public since 2019. His wide-ranging qualifications reflect both his academic rigor and his ongoing dedication to professional development, ensuring he remains at the forefront of evolving legal and regulatory standards.
