Michael Collins is not only a “tenacious and effective advocate he is a master tactician.”
He is ranked by Chambers & Partners (2024) and has built an extensive and impressive criminal practice undertaking work of the highest complexity and gravity.
He accepts instructions in a wide range of very serious and high profile cases including, murder, rape, serious assault, firearms, fatal/near fatal motoring offences and drug trafficking.
Michael always works closely with Solicitors and lay clients alike to ensure the highest standards of client care.
He is particularly admired for his robust and effective style of cross-examination and his persuasive and articulate closing speeches.
Michael defends and prosecutes the most serious crime cases, having specialised in criminal practice since 1998. He is a Grade 4 RASSO accredited Prosecutor and accepts private-client instructions.
Michael is a very strong, experienced and sought-after crime advocate with a practice extending beyond the North Eastern Circuit. He is highly regarded, having developed a solid reputation as a very effective advocate and a formidable opponent, and is frequently instructed as counsel of choice.
“Michael is the perfect advocate for the most challenging battles.” – Chambers and Partners (2024)
“Michael is highly experienced counsel with excellent client-handling skills. He is always accessible and willing to assist.” – Chambers and Partners (2024)
“He has a good presence in court and is very passionate, determined and excellent in cross-examinations.” – Chambers and Partners (2021)
“Solid and reliable.” – Chambers and Partners (2020)
“He is absolutely reliable and trustworthy.”
“He is a very hard-working barrister who really commits to his cases.” – Chambers and Partners (2017)
“I have nothing but praise for Michael Collins. His communication skills, particularly with traumatised bereaved victims, were quite remarkable.” – Client
“He is particularly noted for his expert handling of drug trafficking and substance abuse cases. He also has expertise in homicide case.” – Chambers and Partners (2019)
Michael handles the full range of criminal offences including homicide, rape and other sexual offences against adults and children, drug trafficking, violence, road traffic offences and financial crime together with proceeds of crime. His practice extends to Police Disciplinary Tribunals and he has both defended and presented at Police Disciplinary Appeals in Yorkshire and beyond in respect of a number of complex and serious allegations.
Michael has represented interested parties at a number of Inquests concerning deaths in Police custody and road traffic fatalities.
In Chambers and Partners (2016), Michael Collins is recognised as being a practitioner “with a sold reputation”.
Michael Collins is the head of recruitment at Chambers.
Notable cases
- R v R – successfully prosecuted one punch manslaughter.
- R v I and Others – Defended the father of a child victim who alleged sexual abuse by 12 defendants, including her father.
- R v A – successfully defended the brother of a murderer charged with assisting an offender.
- R v A – Leading junior defending a male charged with the remote theft of cash and conspiracy to steal from hacked ATM machines.
- R v P – Defended a care worker accused of violence and cruelty in a care home.
- R v C and Others – Prosecuted a large number of conspirators attempting to traffic drugs into prisons. Some of the defendants were serving prisoners.
- R v H and Others – Prosecution junior in allegation of attempted murder against 3 defendants in a gang dispute.
- R v J – successfully defended a man charged with attempted murder – after he shot his partner in the vagina.
- R v A – Prosecuted a male nurse accused of sexually abusing male and female patients in a hospital.
“I cannot praise Michael enough for his professionalism.” – Client
Contact Michael’s clerk
Andrew Thornton on 0113 213 5202
Rebecca Wilson on 0113 213 5203
Hannah Dempsey on 0113 213 5211