Michael Whitaker

Michael is a Senior Associate with extensive experience in both advisory real estate and property dispute resolution. Before joining Ignition, Michael worked at leading firms including Pinsent Masons, Charles Russell Speechlys, and Eversheds Sutherland. He has acted for a wide range of clients across commercial and residential property matters, supporting institutional landlords with portfolio management, advising corporate occupiers and commercial tenants, and assisting private landowners and tenants.

Michael focuses on delivering practical, commercial solutions that help clients anticipate and avoid disputes, while resolving them efficiently when they arise. His expertise includes lease renewals, break rights, arrears, and holding landlords or tenants to their obligations.

Relevant experience includes:

· Advising SMEs on the acquisition and leasing of office, retail, and warehouse space.

· Supporting institutional landlords and corporate occupiers with portfolio management.

· Advising on security of tenure lease renewals under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (both opposed and unopposed).

· Advising tenants on lease exits, including navigating break options and serving notices.

· Advising landlords and tenants on remedies for breaches, including repairs, unlawful subletting, and arrears.

· Acting for multiple high-net-worth investors on off-plan purchases of luxury units at Silverstone, with onward sales and refinancing.

· Supporting an investor client on the acquisition and ongoing management of a regional shopping centre.