Michael Menzies-Baird

Expertise

Michael — known professionally as Mingus or Ming — began his career as a Bomb Disposal Engineer in the British Army before retraining as a solicitor. That background instilled the precision and composure under pressure that now define his approach to every matter he handles.

Mingus advises commercial organisations and individuals — from owner-managed businesses through to enterprises with turnovers of up to £25 million — across a broad range of commercial disputes and aviation matters. He is a firm believer in mediation where it serves his clients’ interests, recognising that a well-structured settlement will often deliver better outcomes than protracted litigation.

His commercial litigation practice covers debt recovery, professional negligence, partnership and shareholder disputes, landlord and tenant matters, land and boundary disputes, Land Tribunal proceedings, company disputes, and employment law. He advises on strategy, drives matters efficiently towards trial where necessary and prepares clients thoroughly for mediation where resolution without litigation is the smarter commercial choice.

Alongside this, Mingus is one of a small number of solicitors in England and Wales with dedicated expertise in aviation law. He acts in civil negligence claims and accident litigation, advises those involved in Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) investigations, represents families, operators and crew at Coroners’ inquests, advises on Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulatory matters, and defends individuals and organisations charged with offences under the Air Navigation Order and other aviation legislation. His aviation instructions come from both UK and international clients.

Across all areas of his practice, Mingus is known for giving clear, direct advice focused on what actually matters to his clients — the most effective and commercially sensible route to resolution.