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Michael is a barrister specialising in criminal law. He appears most frequently in the Crown Court, where he both prosecutes and defends. He is on the CPS Grade 3 panel. He has been instructed in cases involving serious violence and organised crime, including wide-ranging drugs conspiracies.
Michael recently represented (un-led) a 17-year-old charged with attempted murder at the Central Criminal Court. This challenging case involved expert pathological evidence and unforeseen developments: during the trial the defendant was brutally attacked close to the court building. The Defendant was acquitted of all violence. Some further recent cases are listed below.
Michael has appeared before the Court of Appeal on several occasions. As a pupil, he successfully overturned a conviction on the grounds that the trial judge’s conduct deprived the defendant of a fair trial (R v Myers [2018] EWCA Crim 2191).
Michael aims to promote the legal norms that underpin sustainable development. He is affiliated with Protimos, an NGO that works to build the rule of law across Africa. Protimos conducts litigation on behalf of indigenous communities displaced from their land or deprived of their rights under domestic and international law. It also works proactively with private industry and investors. Michael has made written and oral representations to the World Bank on behalf of communities in Lesotho comprising over 10,000 people (the World Bank is a major funder of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project).
CPS Panel appointments
General Crime Level 2
Key cases & testimonials
R v X (Leicester CC) – Conspiracy to murder (recent instruction; led)
R v X (Southwark CC) – Possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life (recent instruction)
R v X (Bristol CC) – s. 18 GBH
R v X (Central Criminal Court) – Attempt murder (un-led)
R v X (Southwark CC) – ABH (successfully defended against privately instructed King’s Counsel)
R v X (Cambridge CC) – Conspiracy to evade duty (illicit cigarettes supply) – ongoing after jury successfully discharged due to fresh evidence coming to light
R v X (Kingston-upon-Thames CC) – conspiracy to convey prohibited articles into prison
R v X (Basildon CC) – Aggravated burglary and possession of firearm (7-week trial)
R v Thomas (Southwark CC) – Fraud
R v X (Reading CC) Conspiracy to Supply Class A drugs
R v X (Harrow CC) – s. 18 GBH
R v X (Lewes CC) – Being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs
R v X (Northampton CC) – s. 18 GBH
R v X (Snaresbrook CC) – Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs
R v X (Snaresbrook CC) – Assisting an offender
R v X (Luton CC) – Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs
R v X (Isleworth CC) – s. 18 GBH
R v X (Winchester CC) – Assisting an offender (three-month trial)
Michael brings an impressive level of reasoning to every case, backed by a sharp eye for detail that ensures no aspect goes unnoticed. His strategic thinking and thorough preparation make him an outstanding advocate, earning the trust and respect of both clients and the courtroom alike.Legal 500, 2026
Michael is a fantastic advocate, and his drafting is second to none. He is engaged, pragmatic and always at hand to strategise. He is a credit to the profession.Legal 500, 2025
I have found him to be an outstanding barrister with personal and professional skills of a very high level. He always comes fully briefed and prepared, with a clear grasp of the important issues. His communication skills are first class, and he strikes up an instant rapport with clients – engaging with them fully and inviting confidence and trust. He is flexible and pragmatic, and more than capable of handling awkward situations or dealing effectively with unexpected developments. I have every confidence in his advocacy and case handling, which is why my firm has repeatedly instructed him.Solicitor
Further information
BPP University, London – Bar Professional Training Course (Outstanding)
Columbia University, New York – LLM (Stone Scholar)
City University, London – GDL (Distinction)
Oxford University – Philosophy, Politics and Economics (2.1)