Michael is widely recognised as one of the best criminal silks in the Midlands, being only one of four criminal silks to be given Band 1 ranking by Chambers and Partners UK guide 2017 on the Midland Circuit and only one of two in Birmingham.
2015/6 was a particularly successful period for Michael and reflects his established reputation as a leading “silk”. He was shortlisted for Legal 500’s Regional Silk of the Year, he was appointed a Recorder on the Northern Circuit and was a finalist in the Birmingham Law Society’s “Barrister of the Year” awards 2016.
Since taking “silk” in 2011 Michael has been instructed in a number of high profile police disciplinary cases and inquests.
Inquest in the matter of Stefan Boswell – PC Gallagher- Oct 2015,
Instructed by West Mercia Police Federation on behalf of an officer accused of causing the death of a teenager during a high speed pursuit on the “wrong” side of a dual carriageway. The pursuit culminated in the young man’s vehicle leaving the road and causing his death. The investigation had sought to suggest that the officer was at fault but the jury recorded an unequivocal verdict of accidental death which exonerated the officer concerned.
Inquest:- West Midlands Police- Kevin Burris April 2014,
Instructed by West Midlands Police to represent the interests of the force in an alleged “police pursuit” death. The case attracted significant publicity due to the allegations made against the police by the interested parties. The jury recorded a verdict of accidental verdict which entirely exonerated the West Midlands police as a result of a detailed analysis of the CCTV and accident reconstruction evidence.
“Michael Duck KC prosecutes and defends difficult cases. He is a calm and experienced advocate.”
Chambers UK 2023
“Michael is approachable and communicates well with the clients. He has an excellent grasp of tactics that he deploys effectively. He is an excellent advocate.”
Legal 500 2023
“A top-class silk able to assimilate and present complicated cases effortlessly and with great impact.”
Legal 500 2022
Ranked Band 1 in Crime.
Chambers UK 2022
“A brilliant jury advocate. He is good at working out a strategy when faced with complex forensic evidence.”
Chambers UK 2021
“A very able silk who gets good results, particularly in POCA matters.”
Legal 500 2021
“A reliable and effective barrister.”
Chambers UK 2020
“Bright, personable, and very experienced in POCA proceedings.”
Legal 500 2020
Appointments
Recorder on the Northern Circuit (2015)
Chairman of the International Committee of the Criminal Bar Association (August 2013- January 2017)
Awards
Top Ranked Band1, Criminal Silk – Midland Circuit, Leaders in their Field, Chambers and Partners UK 2017
Shortlisted for Regional Silk of the Year in the LEGAL 500 2015/6 awards
Finalist the in Birmingham Law Society “Barrister of the Year 2015/6
Memberships
Member of the International Bar Association
Serious Fraud Office QC Panel (2013)
Cayman Islands Bar (2013, July and Nov 2015)
