“Michael Lavery is an analytical thinker. He’s really a go-to barrister. He’s brilliant with clients and a great jury advocate – they warm to him straight away.”

“He’s got huge experience and reassures troublesome defendants.”
Chambers and Partners 2026

“Michael is fearless. A barrister at the top of his game.”
The Legal 500 2026

“Juries really like him and he is a really persuasive advocate. He has fantastic client care skills and is at the top of his game.”

“He combines super advocacy with being a real, relatable guy.”

“Michael is a senior advocate who can combine super advocacy with being a really relatable guy.”
Chambers and Partners 2025

“Michael is exceptional and highly sought after; one of the best around. Juries love him and clients are delighted to have him on their side, as he is a fantastic jury advocate, quick on his feet, and quick witted.”

“Michael is very well-received by the full range of clients, from murderers to company directors. He has an easy manner with all of them and in court is an extremely persuasive and empathetic jury advocate.”
The Legal 500 2025

“Michael is a great advocate and a real everyman – there isn’t a client that doesn’t like him.”

“He is incredibly experienced, very skilful in court and with clients.”

“Michael is a persuasive advocate both in and out of the courtroom who is able to get to the central issues of a case quickly and deal with them.”
Chambers and Partners 2024

“Michael is an extremely competent and charismatic barrister. He puts clients at ease but at the same time gives them realistic and forthright advice, he is well respected by all in the criminal justice system as a highly-experienced, first-class barrister, and he has an impressive court presence and judges really listen to him.”

“Michael is at the top of his game and is always instructed on the best cases on the circuit. He is highly sought after, a real fighter, and a true jury advocate, as he really excels in the courtroom where his advocacy skills are highlighted and he stands head and shoulders above his peers; he is a really polished performer.”
The Legal 500 2024

“Michael is a knowledgeable, thoroughly prepared and experienced barrister.”
Chambers and Partners 2023

“He is extremely good with clients and very astute.” “He is a true advocate.” “Very pleasant to deal with.”
Chambers and Partners 2022

“Unflappable with outstanding judgement. Michael carries the confidence of client and solicitors at all times.” “Michael is extremely approachable with clients; he knows how to put them at ease and he has great empathy with them. His knowledge of the criminal law and procedure is second to none and he thoroughly prepares all cases. He is a force to be reckoned with in a court room.”
The Legal 500 2022

“He is a real people person; he is great with a jury and very good in conference too.” “Very good with the clients, realistic and a safe pair of hands.” “He is just excellent in relation to serious and complex crime cases. He is down to earth and very efficient.”
Chambers and Partners 2021

“He is excellent with attention to detail, very methodical, approachable and hands on. Very good with clients, down to earth and gives pragmatic and honest advice even in difficult situations. Always ready for trials, organised and builds good Solicitor-Counsel relationships.” “A real people person, which translates effectively in his performance before a jury.”
The Legal 500 2021

“He’s a fantastic jury advocate.” “A fantastic barrister – he is incredibly practical and very, very sharp in identifying the weaknesses in a case.” “He’s a lovely advocate and is very jury-friendly. He is so organised and he reacts to things extremely quickly.”
Chambers and Partners 2020

“Always goes the extra mile for his clients.” “Technically excellent but also able to give pragmatic advice to clients.”
The Legal 500 2020

“He has the ability to deal with difficult clients and is down to earth but tactically astute.” “He is an excellent junior. He is very good with both clients and juries.” “He is excellent; he has a real attention to detail, is very polished and confident in court and puts clients at ease. He’s a top-notch barrister.”
Chambers and Partners 2019

“He works very well with those instructing him to ensure his client’s interests are always served through his robust advice.” “Michael has exceptional knowledge and has an ability to relate to his clients which immediately puts them at ease.”
Chambers and Partners 2018

“Recommended for a wide spectrum of regulatory matters.”
The Legal 500 2018/19

“A very smooth speaker and operator, he is very client-friendly and very engaging.” “A no-nonsense and very able barrister.” “Charming, hard-working and diligent.”
Chambers and Partners 2017

“He puts the client before everything.” “An impeccable courtroom performer.”
The Legal 500 2017

“He does the heavyweight work.” “I would be happy to have him representing me, he’s a well-respected junior.”
Chambers and Partners 2016

“At the forefront of regulatory/health and safety work on the Northern Circuit.”
The Legal 500 2016