Mr Michael Lavery > Exchange Chambers > Manchester, England > Barrister Profile
Exchange Chambers Offices
201 DEANSGATE
MANCHESTER
M3 3NW
England
Mr Michael Lavery
Work Department
Criminal; Regulatory
Position
Michael has been instructed in major heavyweight criminal cases for over twenty years, though in recent years his practice has gravitated to regulatory, private client and defendant insured work.
His involvement in a number of notorious cases, including those from the Strangeways riots of the early 90’s, countless ‘Gunchester’ murder trials, to the defence of the infamous serial killer Dale Cregan and of Thomas Mair, the killer of MP Jo Cox, has given him a wealth of experience of advocacy at the sharp end, which he now deploys in defending companies faced with inquests and prosecutions. He has led for the defence and the Crown in countless cases.
Highly sought after for his regulatory work, Michael’s practice encompasses food safety, health and safety (defence and prosecutions), police and prison officer disciplinary hearings and Inquests.
Career
Called 1990
Memberships
- Criminal Bar Association
Lawyer Rankings
Regional Bar > Northern Circuit > Crime (general and fraud)
(Leading Juniors)Ranked: Tier 1Michael Lavery – Exchange Chambers ‘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.’
Exchange Chambers is praised as ‘the go-to set for serious criminal work‘, with members called upon to defend and prosecute at all levels of court across the North West of England. The set has a strong bench of silks, including Ben Myers KC, whose practice encompasses the entirety of criminal law, from murder, manslaughter, rape, and sexual offences, to high-value fraud, money laundering, and drug trafficking – of recent note, he represented Lucy Letby, the former neonatal nurse convicted of the murder of seven infants and the attempted murder of six more after a ten-month trial. David Temkin KC is another notable criminal law silk handling both defence and prosecution work, while Imran Shafi KC exclusively defends in a range of criminal trials, including murders, complex fraud, and drug conspiracies. Head of the set’s criminal group Richard Littler KC has significant expertise in terrorism cases, and he also represented a fifteen-year-old autistic, mute boy, one of two defendants convicted of the murder of transgender teenager Brianna Ghey in Liverpool. Mark Rhind KC is another active silk who frequently handles multi-handed murder cases, as well as pension and timeshare frauds. Among the juniors, Damian Nolan predominately acts for the defence and his expertise spans across terrorism cases and international drug conspiracies, while Ian Whitehurst is notable for his expertise in cyber-related criminal activity. David Toal has expertise in prosecuting serious sexual offences, and he also prosecuted American boxing trainer Brian McIntyre for possession of a firearm – illegal in the UK but licensed in the US – that was found in his suitcase at Manchester Airport. Michael Lavery is another notable name, and he mostly handles defence work in fraud cases.
Regional Bar > Northern Circuit > Business and regulatory crime (including health and safety)
(Leading Juniors)Ranked: Tier 2Michael Lavery – Exchange Chambers ‘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.’
The members of Exchange Chambers are frequently instructed across a wide range of cases, from bribery and corporate corruption, corporate and investment fraud, and cartel activity, to money laundering, film investment schemes, and FCA offences. Michael Lavery predominantly handles defence work surrounding fraud, and he successfully represented the defendant in a case in which a solicitor was accused of fraud involving trusts and wills. Ian Whitehurst represents individuals, companies, and directors in cases regarding various types of fraudulent activity.