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Once Upon a time in the Supreme Court
Michael Tyler
Michael is a Partner and the Head of the Costs Team with over 18 years’ experience in the field of costs law. He is the ‘go to individual’ when it comes to Part 36 offers and negotiation strategy of high value costs matters and insurance coverage.
Qualifying as a Costs Lawyer in 2010 and as a Legal project Practitioner in 2018, Michael has conducted hearings on behalf of a wide variety of clients and professional bodies in County Courts, the High Court and has achieved success as the advocate on Appeal hearings before varying Circuit Judges. Most notably in the Privy Council of the Supreme Court.
Joining Kingsley Napley in 2015, Michael’s practice involves working with insurers, strategic planning and costs budgeting of High Court matters. He is frequently asked to advise on litigation funding arrangements and client retainers. He is often instructed by external clients in respect of costs submissions and claims for costs/reviews of costs charged by other firms of solicitors by lay-clients seeking to exercise their right to assessment under the Solicitors Act 1974.
The main focus of his practice with respect to leading the team is for innovation in the way costs are reported to clients and insurers which also involves drafting detailed submissions in support of applications for costs in different jurisdictions and also international arbitrations.
Michael is part of the firm’s litigation funding committee.
WHAT CLIENTS AND DIRECTORIES HAVE SAID
Michael Tyler is superb, unusually bright, with brilliant knowledge of costs, and great to work with.'
The Legal 500, 2025
Michael Tyler heads up a young and energetic team of costs lawyers with expertise across an unusually wide range of practice areas, reflecting the firm's diverse practice.’
The Legal 500, 2025
Michael Tyler is second to none in this field. Personable, unflappable, good with clients and with a steely determination.'
The Legal 500, 2025
He's guided me and my clients through very choppy waters to remarkably successful outcomes. He makes difficult things approachable and digestible, and is very well respected by everyone who knows him."
Chambers and Partners, Litigation Support, 2024
Michael Tyler is excellent. He and his team guide us through the costs rules and requirements with confidence. They are a real asset to have on the team for any litigation."
Chambers and Partners, Litigation Support, 2024
The costs lawyers get on top of the facts and nuances of the case quickly and are able to advise on the available legal arguments to secure the best result for the client."
The Legal 500, 2024
Michael Tyler – partner. Excellent and highly efficient lawyer. Able to assimilate large amounts of complex facts and identify the key legal arguments. Calm and logical approach. Extremely knowledgeable."
The Legal 500, 2024
Michael Tyler leads a team of costs lawyers who are both excellent at what they do and extremely personable. They are always a joy to work with."
The Legal 500, 2024
He is knowledgeable, and he lives and breathes costs. It's the breadth and extent of his knowledge. He is a really nice, user-friendly guy."
Chambers and Partners, Litigation Support, 2023
Michael Tyler is at the top of his game. Exceptionally responsive, he grasps the bigger picture and makes the complex world of costs seem simple."
Legal 500 2023
The Kingsley Napley costs team is excellent and provides the highest level of service. It is extremely knowledgeable and very ably led by the head of its team, Michael Tyler"
Legal 500 2023
Michael Tyler is pragmatic and wise, he is always happy to help in pressurised situations"
Legal 500 2023
Publications and press highlights
- Costs risks of pleading fraud or dishonesty, Law Society Gazette, July 2024
