Mr Collins trained with BTO, qualifying in 2009, and progressed through the ranks in the firm’s insurance litigation team until 2020. He has since spent two years broadening his commercial experience in the construction team of a well-known international law firm.

In this new role, Mr Collins will specialise in contentious construction matters. He advises insurers and policyholders – including developers/employers, consultants, contractors and subcontractors – on complex and high value construction and engineering claims.

He also advises on insurance policy interpretation and indemnity issues arising under construction and property-related policies.

He said: “It’s great to be back in this highly respected insurance litigation team. I look forward to working with familiar faces and further developing BTO’s contentious construction offering for our insurer and policyholder clients.”

David Gibson, BTO’s chairman, said: “We are delighted to have Michael on board again. He is a highly talented lawyer with an ideal balance of experience and skills and the ability to provide clear, incisive strategic advice which clients welcome.

“We know he will be a strong asset to the team and to BTO’s portfolio of clients in this important part of the firm’s business.”