Michael is very personable and takes a pragmatic approach to cases.”

The Legal 500 2024, Chancery, Probate, and Tax

Michael regularly acts and advises in insolvency cases for both corporate and individual clients.

Recent work includes:

  • Resisting an application to annul a bankruptcy petition for alleged failure to serve a statutory demand, and lack of geographical connection to the jurisdiction.
  • Representing a trustee on an application by the debtor to have assigned to him various causes of action.
  • Advising a trustee in respect of the setting aside of prior transactions.

Directory Quotes

Michael is excellent with clients and good with technical work.”

Chambers UK 2024, Chancery

Michael is very personable and takes a pragmatic approach to cases.”

The Legal 500 2024, Chancery, Probate, and Tax

Michael has a broad practice that includes matters concerning capital gains tax, stamp duty and inheritance tax. He is also qualified as a chartered tax adviser.”

Chambers UK 2024, Tax

Michael has a broad practice that includes matters concerning capital gains tax, employment tax, stamp duty and inheritance tax. ‘Michael Clarke is very knowledgeable on tax.’ “

Chambers UK 2023, Tax

Michael has the ability to do chancery and tax together so it makes him an excellent resource. ‘He is a very down-to-earth and practical barrister. He talks straight and just gives you a focused view on what the practical answer is.’ “

Chambers UK 2021, Tax

Very bright and always comes up with practical solutions.”

The Legal 500 2020, Commercial, Banking, Insolvency and Chancery Law

He is a very knowledgeable, competent and down-to-earth person. ‘He is very approachable and very practical.’”

Chambers UK 2020, Tax

Michael is a very knowledgeable, competent and down-to-earth person. ‘He is very approachable and very practical.’ “

Chambers UK 2020, Tax

Michael is a very knowledgeable, competent and down-to-earth person.’He is very approachable and very practical.’ “

Chambers UK 2020, Tax

He is a very knowledgeable, competent and down-to-earth person.” “He is very approachable and very practical.”

Chambers UK 2020, Tax

Cerebral and a quick thinker on his feet.”

Legal 500 2019, Commercial, Banking, Insolvency and Chancery Law

Michael is extremely cost-effective and thorough in his advice. ‘He’s very practical, down-to-earth and approachable. He’s intelligent in an understated way and certainly thinks very quickly on his feet. The main thing is that he is sensible so he doesn’t overreach himself.’ “

Chambers UK 2019, Tax

A promising junior with a broad practice that includes matters concerning capital gains tax, employment tax, stamp duty and inheritance tax. He is also qualified as a chartered tax adviser. ‘He is very practical and comes up with simple solutions which we like.’ ‘He is very measured and thinks quickly whilst on his feet.’ “

Chambers UK 2018, Tax

Michael’s soft-spoken courtroom manner is hugely effective.”

Legal 500 2017, Commercial, Banking, Insolvency and Chancery law
  • Appointments:

    • Senior Associate Teacher, University of Bristol, Law of Trusts
    • Junior Counsel to the Crown 2015 to 2020
  • Qualifications & awards:

    • University of Bristol – First Class (2001)
  • Additional information:

    Michael’s interests include owning, riding and maintaining classic motorcycles.

  • Michael Clarke is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.