Michael Graham

Specialisms:

Regulatory and Disciplinary cases

With an extensive background in the field of criminal law, dealing with cases of particular evidential complexity and sensitivity, Michael reached the decision in 2010 to specialise in the Regulatory field and has acted as a driving force in developing the Regulatory Group within Trinity Chambers.

In addition to his vast experience in the criminal field - in all areas of defence and prosecution casework and advocacy in the Crown Court and Court of Appeal –existing experience of regulatory work includes advice, advocacy and case preparation in:

• Disciplinary hearings (in particular, police misconduct)
• Inquests
• Consumer protection/product safety
• Manslaughter and Health & Safety offences (including the prosecution of the Dreamspace artist)
• Environmental protection
• Trading Standards cases
• Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 cases and applications
• Courts Martial, including cases funded by the Armed Forces Criminal Legal Aid Authority  
• Advising on disclosure issues
• "Cash for crash" allegations of motor insurance fraud 

Appointments:

• Grade 4 (highest grade) prosecutor CPS
• On Attorney General’s Approved list of Advocates

Memberships:

Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers
North East Criminal Bar Association
United Kingdom Environmental Law Association
Association of Military Court Advocates

Lectures & Seminars :

Michael has delivered CPS accredited lectures and workshops on a wide range of topics, to members of Chambers and to professional clients. Michael has delivered CPD accredited lectures and workshops on benefits prosecutions, proceeds of crime and money laundering.

Education:

2:1 (BA Hons) Law, Newcastle upon Tyne Polytechnic (now Northumbria University) 1978

Additional Information:

Michael joined Trinity Chambers in 1999, transferring to the Bar following 18 years as a solicitor (in private practice and then with the CPS).

He was appointed as one of the first Special Casework Lawyers for the CPS when that role was created in 1990, to advise on and handle cases of particular evidential complexity and/or sensitivity – a diverse caseload, ranging from fraud to terrorism, which required the exercise of high-level casework skills and sound judgment in difficult cases.

Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS North 1995 to 1999, with ultimate management responsibility for 360 lawyers and caseworkers, an Area budget of £16M and the prosecution of cases arising within the police force areas of Northumbria, Durham, Cleveland and Cumbria. During this period, a member of the DPP’s Strategic Board, conducted a number of national reviews for the CPS (on Special Casework and Levels of Decision-Making) and involved locally and in consultation with other areas of the country in cases of particular sensitivity.