Michael Snape 石迈可

Michael specialises in complex cross-border commercial litigation, shareholders’ disputes and contentious insolvency, with a focus on Cayman domiciled companies listed on the SEHK that operate in the PRC. He also has a particular expertise in share valuation disputes, having advised on many of the leading cases before the Cayman Islands’ courts. Michael is a member of Ogier's global Restructuring and Insolvency team.

Background and experience

A highly experienced advocate, Michael has regularly appeared as counsel in the Cayman Islands’ courts at all levels. He regularly advises shareholders, creditors, companies, liquidators and fund managers and directors in a range of disputes.  

Michael's recent achievements include advising a major shareholder in a multi-billion dollar PRC-based manufacturing company in its successful appeals against the company in Cayman winding-up proceedings, and assisting a Cayman incorporated company listed on the SEHK to appoint restructuring provisional liquidators and stay a creditor's winding up petition filed against the company in Hong Kong. Michael also has ongoing involvement in many of the take-private share valuation disputes before the Cayman courts.

Prior to joining Ogier in 2018, Michael trained as a barrister in New Zealand. In 2011 Michael moved to the Cayman Islands, where he worked for the Government of the Cayman Islands, before joining the litigation department of another offshore law firm. Michael was also retained by the Cayman Islands Anti-Corruption Commission as independent counsel. In 2016, Michael relocated to Hong Kong, providing contentious offshore advice to clients in the Asian time zone.

Michael is an accomplished presenter on offshore law to onshore lawyers and other professional groups. He is a member of INSOL International and IWIRC.

He received his Bachelor of Laws in 2001 from Victoria University of Wellington, and also holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history.

Admitted in:
2002 - New Zealand
2012 - Cayman Islands