Year of Call: 2003
Year of Silk: 2019
Before calling to the Bar, Michael worked in COPFS and in private practice. In 1999, he gained extended rights of audience (criminal) as solicitor-advocate.
In 2003, Michael called to the Bar. He was instructed as junior defence counsel in criminal trials and appeals. Between 2006 to 2009 he was an Advocate Depute prosecuting High Court trials. In 2009, he returned to practice at the Bar. He was instructed as junior defence counsel in complex trials, appeals, complex children’s referral proofs and Fatal Accident Inquiries.
Between 2017 to April 2023, Michael was a Senior Advocate Depute prosecuting complex High Court trials, representing the Lord Advocate in extradition proceedings and conducting appeals in the High Court and in the Sheriff Appeal Court. In 2019, he took silk. Between 2019 to 2023, he was the lead Senior Advocate Depute overseeing health and safety cases, issuing instructions and providing guidance in a wide range of health and safety prosecutions and fatal accident inquiries.
In 2023, Michael returned to practice at the Bar.