Michael is a highly experienced and exceptional advocate renowned for his eloquent and persuasive advocacy. His calm and measured approach, combined with his pragmatic and strategic advice has led him to be consistently listed as a ’leading Silk’ in the legal 500 directory.

His practice includes defending and prosecuting in the most serious and complex of criminal cases, including murder, fraud, serious sexual offences, with a particular expertise in dealing with cases involving the analysis and understanding of complex medical evidence. Given his background in Clinical negligence and personal Injury matters, Michael Mather -Lees is skilled in interpreting complex medical evidence, which often gives him an advantage over his opponent .

He has extensive experience in ‘baby shaking cases’ and is a well known expert in this field, often invited to comment by the media on high profile cases.

He has achieved successful verdicts in his last 8 trials during 2024-2025, being 6 murders, a serious sexual abuse and an industrial scale drugs production, demonstrating his reliability as a dedicated and hard working Silk.

In addition, he has undertaken a substantial amount of regulatory work, as well acting in Courts Martial.

He has appeared in the Legal 500 rankings for over 15 years and is described in the 2026 edition as follows: “He is a very thorough and effective advocate. He captures the attention of the jury and is an effective orator.”

Testimonials

He is a very thorough and effective advocate. He captures the attention of the jury and is an effective orator. Legal 500 2026, Ranked as a Leading Silk
Michael is a pleasure to watch in action - he is very calm and persuasive in his submissions to the court and jury. He is incredibly well prepared and just gets to the issues in a case with complete ease and understanding. He is personable both in and outside of court.Legal 500 2025, Ranked as a Leading Silk
Michael has a forensic approach to expert evidence, in particular medical topics and pathology, and is able to draw on a wealth of experience. He is concise and focused in his approach.Legal 500 2023, Ranked as a Leading Silk
An eloquent silk with particular expertise in cases involving complex medical evidence. Provides pragmatic advice and adopts excellent strategy in the most complex of cases. He possesses a quiet calmness and confidence indicative of a Counsel that is aware of his expertise and skill, with no need to shout about it, incredibly effective in his style of advocacy and yet calm and reassuring manner with clients and their familiesLegal 500 2021, Ranked as a Leading Silk
A confident and strong advocate who has great presence in the court room.Legal 500 2020, Ranked as a Leading Silk
A brilliant advocateLegal 500, 2018 Tier 1 Silk
Regularly handles murder and manslaughter cases on behalf of both the prosecution and defence as part of a busy general crime practice. Recent work: Successfully defended a professional man charged with causing death by dangerous driving. The case involved complex scientific evidence and detailed cross-examination of expert witnesses.Chambers UK, 2017
He has expertise in public interest immunity, complex fraud and medico-legal cases.Legal 500, 2016
Known for his expertise in medico legal cases.Legal 500, 2015
A Leading Silk on the Wales and Chester Circuit: Noted for his ability to evaluate complex evidence, particularly in medico-legal cases.Legal 500, 2014
Primarily prosecutes complex criminal law cases. He is recommended in matters where there is significant medical evidence, such as murder and violent crimes.Chambers UK Guide 2015
Michael Mather-Lees KC is recommended for medico-legal cases, as well as fraud and confiscation work.Legal 500, 2013
Michael Mather-Lees KC receives praise for his exceptional intellect. He runs a broad practice but is particularly renowned for his work on fraud cases.Chambers UK 2013
Michael Mather-Lees is recommended for VAT, fraud and medico-legal cases.Legal 500, 2012
Michael Mather-Lees really shines as a barrister who specialises in medico-legal cases and serious and complex fraud matters.Chambers UK 2011
Michael Mather-Lees is "intellectually exceptional but also down to earth.Chambers UK 2009

Further information

  • Inner Temple
  • South Eastern Circuit
  • Wales and Chester Circuit
  • Western Circuit
  • Criminal Bar Association
  • American Bar Association Affiliate
  • European Bar Group
  • Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers

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