EDUCATION

Royal Grammar School, Newcastle upon Tyne

Leeds University, LL.B

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Family/Childcare law
Ancillary Relief

Court of Protection

Family/Childcare Law

In public law proceedings, Michael has experience of representing parents and children up to Court of Appeal level as both single and leading junior in complex cases of substantial length. 

Leading Junior for the Mother in the case of B-M (below) which is the leading case relating to honour killing.

Also represented the Mother in the 'Edlington two' case where the Court was concerned with a detailed package of support contained in care plans involving multi agency involvement.

Most recently represented a Local Authority as leading junior in a case involving a fact finding hearing where the child had suffered subdural brain injuries, the origin of which was uncertain as the child presented with multiple complex health needs as a result having an autosomal recessive condition, being born of parents who were first cousins.

In private law proceedings, he has considerable general experience as well as particular interest in cases involving child abduction (including UK - Pakistan protocol cases), permission to remove children from the jurisdiction and jurisdictional disputes (most commonly Brussels 2 revised).

Ancillary Relief

In ancillary relief proceedings, Michael has substantial general experience up to High Court level including cases involving:- interveners, farms, partnership and company accounts and dissipation of assets.

Court of Protection

Michael has an interest in this developing area and has experience representing all parties including Primary Care Trusts. Particular experience in cases involving a deprivation of liberty.

Additionally, Michael has a keen interest in motor sport and represents clients at MSA disciplinary tribunals.

Reported Cases:

Re: B-M (Care orders: Risk) [2009] EWCA Civ205

Re: P (Care Proceedings: Disclosure) [2009] E11WC 2197 (FAM)

Re: K (NON- ACCIDENTAL INJURIES: PERPETRATOR: NEW EVIDENCE) [2004] EWCA Civ 1181; [2005] 1 FLR 285

KIRKLEES METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL v LONDON BOROUGH OF BRENT [2004] 2 FLR 800

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS / APPOINTMENTS

Family Law Bar Association
North Eastern Circuit