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Fee Earner Q&A with Mike Carter
Mike Carter joined Bermans in January 2025 and is a Partner in our Litigation team. We spoke to him to learn more about him and his work.
- Can you give us a brief summary of your career so far?
In my 16th year as a solicitor, I have always specialised in Commercial (or Property and Construction) Litigation.
Having worked predominantly in regional firms, my core client base is SMEs and OMBs in various sectors including the logistics and shipping sectors which I worked in for 19 years prior to qualifying as a solicitor.
2. What area of the law do you specialise in and why?
I could not envisage being in any practice area other than litigation. It has it all in terms of responsibility, technical know-how, conflict, tense moments, resolution, negotiation and leadership.
3. Is there a case or a particular piece of work you were proud to be involved with, if so why?
A recent case involved some distant beneficiaries in an estate trying to outmanoeuvre my client from exercising her right under an option to buy her home that she had rented from the recently deceased landlord. It was clear there was a genuine desire to allow my client the option to buy the property but due to some poor drafting by the landlord’s former legal advisors it created unintended difficulties that the beneficiaries looked to exploit in the hope of a significant unintended windfall.
4. Away from the law what are your interests and passions?
For a long time it has been running and hiking, The latter particularly in the Lakes. Thankfully, and by accident, it has become gardening. I am finding it has more benefits than initially thoughts. Rarely does weather stop play. There is always an opportunity to do more whether its just five minutes armed with secateurs or a grand design make over. When I start I never know which it’s going to be.
Bullet Round
Sports & Teams Supported: Manchester United but I still miss watching Tiger Woods at the height of his career.
Films (Top 3):
Music (3 tracks/albums to take on Desert Island): It has to be Simple Minds, any of their albums pre 1990s (but must include in the City of Light (Live). In addition to that, probably Big Country’s greatest hits album and either Talk Talk (The very best of) or any of INXSs albums.
Boxsets: Not really into boxsets.
Podcasts you listen to/recommend: Recently discovered, Rosebud with Giles Brandreth. It’s nothing to do with roses. Many of the guests stories are unthinkable. It’s true, truth is stranger than fiction.
Meal: It has to be my wife’s Sunday roast. I am still yet to find a restaurant that comes anywhere close to competing with it.
Holiday destination: Anywhere stunning away from the crowds. A glorious day in the hills, mountains, views and water does it for me.
Favourite book: Recently really enjoyed, James Blunt’s autobiography and a book recommended by a KC I instructed a short time ago. “Never split the difference” by Chris Voss. Neither were remotely predictable but again proved truth can be stranger than fiction. Who needs fiction to immerse your senses.
3 people for a dinner party and why? Three of my long lost family members – they know who they are!
To get in touch with Mike:
E: Mike.carter@bermans.co.uk
T: 0161 388 8563
W: Bermans Mike Carter | Bermans