Michelle has always maintained a mixed practice of Immigration, Criminal Defence and Inland Waterways Law. At twelve years call this gives her a wealth of experience. In each area she fights rigorously for her clients. She believes that they have the right to be treated with dignity. Many are vulnerable, and most are stressed about their predicament and need to know someone is on their side. In short, Michelle is tough in the court room but gentle and friendly out of it.
In crime, Michelle has defended the full spectrum of crimes including murders. She is highly proficient at cross-examination of Police and Expert witnesses, and particularly enjoys identification cases. However, she is probably best known for her legal acumen, especially her expertise in ‘Abuse of Process’ cases. Michelle will always look for the half-time submission point if possible. She understands that the trial process is an ordeal for the Defendant and endeavours to make the process as painless as possible.
In Immigration, Michelle’s practice encompasses Court of Appeal, Judicial Review (including Emergency applications); Asylum; Human rights; Humanitarian Protection; Entry Clearance; Points based; basically all Appellant work. Michelle recognizes the importance that these cases have on people’s lives and treats them accordingly.
Michelle lived aboard an Inland waterways Boat for 17 years and knows that it is difficult to get representation in this area as it embodies many legal areas. For this reason, Michelle developed a niche practice that covers this multitude of disciplines.
Michelle is Direct Access qualified, and currently lives in the Milton Keynes area so, as well as London, she is content to attend court further afield.
Politics
Michelle believes that as well as fighting to improve the lives of our clients we must look to the wider causes and seek to challenge them. She has a history of doing so.
Prior to the Bar Michelle was an active Trade Union representative for NUCAPS & CPSA. Her work in individual cases and collectively was one of the factors that led her to do her degree at Night School (Birkbeck) and ultimately to her career at the Bar.
She has been active in many Bar extra curriculum activities including Seminars (including being a speaker at Bar Conference), Articles, membership of various groups (including the Bar Council and 7 committees, as well as grass root groups).
Michelle worked for the Bar Human Rights Project for two months in Palestine and on her return created (with 3 others) Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East, now a very successful lobbying group (see the website at www.lfpme.org).
Michelle was selected as Labour’s Mayoral candidate for Bedford and notwithstanding a very late selection tripled their vote (see the website at www.michelleharrisformayor.org).
Further information on Michelle can be found on her website at www.michelleharris.info
Publications
‘Boat Dwellers and Human Rights’, and ‘Tenancies, Moorings and the European Convention’.; Published in the New Law Journal, Butterworths-On-Line, Practical Boat Owner, NABO News, Soundings, FFT News and 1 Pump Court News.
Criminal Bar Association
For information on hourly rates and fees