Expert profile

Michael Tonkin

Partner

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Highlights

Highly experienced quantity surveyor.
Proven as a credible witness under cross-examination and during ‘hot-tubbing’.
International experience extends to the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia.
Has delivered expert testimony and opinion on many substantial disputes.
Ranked as an acclaimed construction expert by Lexology Index.
From 60+ appointments as arbitrator, clearly understands the needs of the tribunal in relation to expert evidence.

Services

Construction Quantum | International Arbitration

Industries

Michael is one of the best construction experts. He has a pragmatic and creative approach to the analysis. He is an excellent quantum expert.
Lexology Index - Construction - Global Elite Thought Leader

Expertise

Michael Tonkin is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Chartered Arbitrator, RICS Accredited Expert Witness and CEDR Accredited Mediator with over 35 years of construction industry experience. He is an effective dispute resolver and has acted as quantum expert on more than 70 occasions.

Michael has been a party appointed expert witness, a single joint expert witness and a third-party expert evaluator. He has given oral testimony in traditional cross-examination as well as concurrent evidence (hot-tubbing) in international arbitrations, in Asia, Australasia and the Middle East. Michael often acts as ‘coordinating expert’ across several disciplines of expert.

Michael has been appointed as arbitrator on more than 60 occasions (as sole arbitrator, chairman of a tribunal of three, and co-arbitrator) under the auspices of ICC, LCIA, DIAC, ADCCAC and the TAI. He regularly participates in other alternative dispute resolution processes such as adjudication and dispute adjudication boards (DABs).

Professional recognition

Lexology Index

Construction – Global Elite Thought Leader
Arbitration – Thought Leader

Michael Tonkin is a seasoned quantum expert with over three decades of global experience, known for his sharp commercial acumen, authoritative testimony, and consistent delivery across high-value disputes.
Lexology Index - Consulting - Construction - Quantum, Delay, and Technical

Background

Michael has extensive experience of commercial negotiations in major projects, particularly where bespoke contracts and innovative methods of procurement have been used. With a background in cost management, he specialises in commercial management, contract management, negotiation, risk management, third party financial reporting and strategic advice. His project experience ranges from major infrastructure and buildings across the Middle East, UK and Asia; power and water in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe; and oil and gas projects in the Middle East and Australasia.

Michael regularly provides commercial advice on formal dispute resolution, dispute avoidance and procurement. He is adept in many of the major standard forms of contract and has been employed by government bodies, large private companies, contractors and subcontractors to advise on commercial matters and procurement.

Michael is a trustee and honorary treasurer of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a past chairman and past vice chairman of the UAE branch.