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 shortlisted finalist in the Birmingham Law Society’s “Barrister of the Year” awards 2016.”
Michael has been instructed in Police Disciplinary matters over a period of twenty five years. During that period Michael has represented many police officers at Crown Court trials and before internal disciplinary tribunals. He has developed an in-depth understanding of the Police Regulations and a familiarity with the specific demands of representation before a professional tribunal.
Michael’s expertise in regulation and compliance is not restricted to the UK. In October 2013 he was an invited guest speaker at the 9th Annual Anti-Money Laundering, Financial Crime and Compliance Seminar in the Cayman Islands. The delegates were an international audience of compliance professionals.
Michael receives instructions from Police Federations around the UK so travel presents no problems. In addition to representing officers at first instance Michael has experience of pursuing matters to Chief Constable’s review and Police Appeal Tribunals.
Michael is recommended in both the Legal 500 and Chambers’ directory.
Michael enjoys a reputation for thorough preparation and robust cross-examination of witnesses when the need arises. He has often demonstrated his patience and an ability to deal with demanding clients.
In addition to his practice representing police officers, Michael has lectured to police officers upon aspects of investigation and case preparation with a particular emphasis on cases involving protected witnesses.
“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
Notable Cases
The following cases are examples of those which have been dealt with in recent years : -
West Mercia Police v S
the officer admitted that he had lied to his promotion board during an interview for a senior rank. He was allowed to remain within the constabulary.
Cleveland Police v K
allegations of domestic violence and commercial impropriety over a period of more than a decade.
West Mercia Police v H
a case which is presently being utilised to standardise the application of Annex N (drink driving sentencing guidelines) nationally.
West Midlands Police v H
a two week hearing in respect of allegations of violence towards members of the public and subsequent suggestions of “covering up” the behaviour. Case not proven.
West Midlands Police v M
allegations of use of force towards an arrestee and “covering up” the behaviour between a number of accused officers – case dismissed at the conclusion of the presenting side’s case. The case involved the settling of a complicated “abuse of process” argument in respect of the delay involved in pursuing the proceedings.
West Midlands Police v L
officer accepted the use of abusive words at an England football match – he was allowed to remain in post.
West Midlands Police v W
allegation of police officer attempting to claim overtime to which she was not entitled.
West Midlands Police v B
allegation of officer becoming involved in drunken violence during two separate nights out in a city centre.
West Midlands Police v S
allegation of a senior police sergeant crashing his vehicle and leaving the scene of an accident.
West Midlands Police v L, B and E
drink driving cases which ultimately gave significance guidance to police tribunals upon the proper application of the provisions of Annex N.
West Midlands Police v I
allegation of indecency upon a civilian member of staff whilst on duty.
Leicestershire Police v H
allegation of police officer staging a road accident in order to persuade senior officers that the damage caused to his police vehicle was sustained within his area.
Leicestershire Police v J
allegation of a police officer using excessive force upon arrest. Officer was re-instated upon appeal to the Police Appeals tribunal.
Staffordshire Police v R
allegation of police officers being involved in a road traffic accident and subsequently providing an untruthful account of the circumstances.
R v S
Crown Court trial of allegation of violence outside a nightclub by a police officer.
R v J
Crown Court trial of allegation of excessive force towards a member of the public during the course of an arrest.
R v G
Crown Court trial of allegation of perverting the course of justice by approaching members of the jury during the course of a trial and informing them of material to which they were not entitled.
Appointments
Recorder on the Northern Circuit (2015)
Chairman of the International Committee of the Criminal Bar Association (August 2013 - January 2017)
Member of the International Bar Association
Serious Fraud Office QC Panel (2013)
Cayman Islands Bar (2013, July and Nov 2015)
Awards
Top Ranked Band 1, 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
Shortlisted in Birmingham Law Society Barrister of the Year 2016
Memberships
Commonwealth Lawyers Association
Association of Commonwealth Criminal Lawyers
Criminal Bar Association
Midland and South East Circuits
