Michael joined LA in 2001, having previously worked in house with a technology company.  He qualified as a solicitor with LA in 2003, and became a partner in 2007. In 2019, Michael was appointed to the part-time judicial post of Recorder.

Michael provides a balanced, rounded and pragmatic service to his clients.  Although his skills seem almost instinctive, in fact his clients benefit from a wealth of experience in advising clients as well as representing them in court, including in some very high profile or sensitive cases or those which have shaped the law.  His clients range from individuals to large businesses and public sector organisations, and across a wide variety of market sectors.

Michael’s practice is such that he is equally adept in dealing with commercial litigation, as he is criminal work for both prosecution and defence.  He provides a service to clients covering business disputes, inquests, prosecutions, appeals, related public law matters and non-contentious advice.

Recent examples of work or case studies:

• Prosecuting a case widely reported in the media concerning a young girl who suffered fatal injuries in a lift, resulting in fines of £1.6 million: R v Synergy Housing Limited and Orona Limited.
• Successfully handling a human rights appeal in England’s highest courts on behalf of the country’s largest care provider. The Secretary of State also intervened in the case: YL v Birmingham City Council and others.
• Acting in appeal cases which developed the current law on “risk” to safety or health: R v Tangerine Confectionery Limited; R v Veolia UK Limited; R v Willmott Dixon Construction Limited; R v EGS Limited.

Accreditations