Abiodun joined 36 Public and Human Rights upon completion of his pupillage at a leading human rights set. He accepts instructions in public law, human rights, immigration, employment, housing and media law.

Before coming to the bar, Abiodun established a reputation as a leading commentator on the rule of law. He is the convenor of ‘Citizenship and the Rule of Law’, an online course with over 20,000 students from every country in the world. He is widely published in a range of academic areas, including public legal education, equality law, the effect of technology on human rights and the regulation of the legal profession.

Key cases & testimonials

During his pupillage, Abiodun assisted with:

Drafting skeleton arguments in judicial review cases concerning asylum support payments, unlawful discrimination, the standard of disclosure required before SIAC and human rights claims for prisoners;

Drafting advice notes and lists of issues in employment tribunal cases concerning unfair dismissal, discrimination, TUPE and harassment;

Drafting an advice note in a claim concerning jurisdictional issues and the application of multiple data protection regimes on behalf of an international intelligence firm and;

Drafting an advice note concerning the deletion of a high-profile businessman and politician from a market intelligence firm.

Michael has the ability to quickly grasp issues and understand the implications of them on others and has the ability to assimilate a balanced and well thought-through argument for action. He is an exceptional listener and has a pragmatic approach to resolving challenges put in front of him. He always conducts himself with a high degree of professionalism and courtesy to others and, through that, gains respect and trust. He doesn't rush to make decisions but isn't afraid to 'cut to the chase' and accelerate decision-making either. Andy Nolan, Planning Director at the University of Nottingham
I had the privilege of working alongside Abiodun during our time at Bite The Ballot. He's one of the most industrious, optimistic, driven and decent campaigners I know. As Bite The Ballot's national campaigns lead, he was central to the well-coordinated success of major campaigns during an extremely busy period; including NVRD 2016, a London mayoral race and #TurnUp (which inspired 1.1m electoral registration applications ahead of the EU referendum). His skill as an impartial and experienced community organiser continues to give him an edge in the democratic empowerment space. And his knowledge of the barriers to civic participation - be they cultural, community or constitutional - drive his strong policy, media and management-styles. Abiodun's oral advocacy skills are excellent. His calm, confident manner gives him the ability to inspire diverse audiences and attract (and retain) new partner organisations with ease. It's a pleasure to recommend him. Campaigns Director, Zero Hour
Michael has an extremely thorough approach to his duties, completely reliable and trustworthy a great team member. His communication skills were excellent, enabling him to interact and relate well with others. Michael also showed initiative and an in-depth awareness and insight into issues affecting young people. Dario Silvestro, Commissioning Manager

Areas of expertise

Abiodun has been trained in SEND tribunals and co-chaired the 2022 IPSEA conference.

As an academic, he has written about the public law implications of unlawful exclusions. (Click here to read an example.)

During his pupillage, Abiodun assisted with judicial reviews concerning the uprating of asylum support payments for refugees with children under the age of three. He also produced research for his supervisor about the possible exceptions to the jurisdiction requirements of Article 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Abiodun has represented asylum seekers in the First-Tier Tribunal at substantive hearings and in bail proceedings.

Abiodun assisted with the preparation of skeleton arguments and notes of advice concerning a wide range of matters in public and human rights during his pupillage. These included:

Drafting a skeleton argument on behalf of the claimant in a judicial review claim concerning the correct standard of disclosure where an allegation of involvement in terrorism is part of the background;

Drafting a skeleton argument about whether a prisoner had been provided with sufficient information about their case in order to participate in judicial review proceedings;

Drafting a skeleton argument on behalf of the claimant in a prison law case alleging indirect discrimination, direct discrimination, non-compliance with convention rights, breach of statutory duty and a failure to follow the common law duty of fairness;

Drafting a research note about the application of Article 1 of the European Convention to an asylum and refugee case;

Drafting a note of advice about a part 36 offer in judicial review proceedings; and

Drafting a skeleton argument in a judicial review case concerning uprating of asylum support payments for pregnant women.

Abiodun has acted for both local authorities and private tenants in possession and housing disrepair claims. Abiodun has significant experience of residential accommodation disputes. Prior to joining the bar, Abiodun was the Vice President for Accommodation and Community at the University of Nottingham Students’ Union, representing 34,000 students on housing issues. He won several awards for this work. Abiodun was also the Vice Chair of the Unipol Code Tribunal, determining disputes between landlords and their tenants across the East Midlands.

Further information

Abiodun is frequently asked to speak at, and to chair, major public law events.

Recent examples include:

Legal Services Board, ‘Can Public Legal Education Really Increase Access To Justice’, Simmons & Simmons, London, February 2020
Public Law Project and Young Legal Aid Lawyers, ‘Revenge or Reform? A critical appraisal of the Government’s ‘Constitution, Democracy and Rights Commission’, Online, August 2020

‘The Rule of Law Online: Who Targets Me and What Does It Mean For My Rights?’ City of London Corporation, 23rd September 2020, Online.
Law Society, Bar Council and Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, ‘Justice Week Question Time 2021’, 4th March 2021

‘Harry Weinrebe Lecture: Inclusivity and the Law: Do We Need to Prohibit Class Discrimination?’ BIICL, 10th December 2020, Online.
‘Human Rights Due Diligence and Systemic Inequalities’ BIICL, 26 October 2021, Online.

‘LawWorks Clinics Conference 2022: Connecting with Communities’. LawWorks, 17th June 2022, London.
Client Panel, DLA Piper South Africa, November 2022, Johannesburg.
SEN LAW Conference, Matrix Chambers/IPSEA/Douglas Silas Solicitors, 7 March 2023, London.
Pro Bono Week, Rule of Law & Access to Justice: where do we go from here?, Panel Discussion, Gray’s Inn, 13 November 2023

Guru Nanak Social Mobility Scholarship Highly Commended (2022)
Lincoln’s Inn International Criminal Court Study Visit Award (2022)
Guru Nanak Social Mobility Scholarship Second Place (2021)
University of Nottingham Alumni Lifelong Volunteer Award (2021)
University of Nottingham Alumni Volunteer of the Year Award (2021)
BPP Professional Development Award (2020)
University of Nottingham Alumni Laureate Recent Graduate Award. (2018)
Nominated for Black Young Professionals Network ‘Role Model of the Year’. (2018)
Lincoln’s Inn Tancred Scholarship. (2018)
Appointed as a member of the Solicitor General’s Public Legal Education Panel. (2017)
BPP Hardship Award. (2017)
Lincoln’s Inn Sir Thomas More Bursary Scholarship. (2017)
Fellowship of the Royal Society of the Arts. (2017)
Lincoln’s Inn Hardwicke Entrance Scholarship. (2016)
Honorary Life Membership of the University of Nottingham Students’ Union. (2015)
University of Nottingham Advantage Award. (2014)
The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Award for Inspirational Young People. (2011)
Birmingham City Council Rights & Participation Service Certificate. (2010)
Certificate of Thanks (for an outstanding contribution to the work of the Children’s Commissioner). (2010)

Bachelor of Laws, University of Nottingham (Highest Mark in Advanced Tort)
Master of Laws in Legal Practice, BPP University (Distinction)
Lecturer in Law, London South Bank University
Course Director of Citizenship and the Rule of Law, University of London

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