Michael Tomlinson KC 3

The Rt Hon Michael Tomlinson KC

Year of Call: 2002
Year of Silk: 2022
Email Address: [email protected]
Telephone: 020 7583 8055/01202 292102

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Clerks Details

  • Clerk Name: David Fielder
  • Clerk Telephone: 020 7583 8055
  • Clerk Email: [email protected]
  • Clerk Name: Robert Leonard
  • Clerk Telephone: 01202 292102
  • Clerk Email: [email protected]

Administrative and Public Law

Michael Tomlinson KC has advised on public law and regulatory issues for twenty years, and was first appointed onto the Attorney-General's Junior Counsel to the Crown (Regional Panel) in 2007.

Given Michael’s experience in Parliament; in Government as a Law Officer (HM Solicitor General); and in the Cabinet, Michael is uniquely qualified to advise on all matters relating to the legal political sphere and the interpretation of legislation.

Michael was His Majesty’s first Solicitor General and as the Attorney General (AG)’s deputy, was enabled by Statute to perform any of her functions. His main duty was as senior legal adviser to the UK Government. Together with the AG, Michael superintended the Crown Prosecution Service and the Serious Fraud Office.

Michael Tomlinson KC was responsible for the Attorney General's public interest functions such as granting consent to the prosecution of certain offences such as offences under the Official Secrets Acts and some criminal and terrorism offences.

Michael also reviewed whether to refer some sentences to the Court of Appeal as being unduly lenient; giving consent for an application to the High Court for a fresh inquest; and deciding whether to institute contempt proceedings.

As part of his work for the Government, Michael appeared in the Court of Appeal and chaired Ministerial Board meetings.

 

Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies

2025 - Most recently, Michael was appointed expert advisor by the States of Jersey Environment Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel.  This was for their review of the Draft Residential Tenancy (Jersey) Amendment Law.  Due to the complexity and politicised nature of the Amendment Law, Michael was chosen to be an impartial and independent expert, bringing his considerable experience of regulatory law to the panel.

“His input has been integral in testing the robustness of the Panel’s findings, identifying areas where the drafting may not fully reflect the Minister’s policy intent, and shaping recommendations to strengthen both the clarity and effectiveness of the legislation.” Jersey Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Panel

2023 - Michael chaired the Overseas Territories Attorney General's Conference in Montserrat in September 2023.  This included Attorneys General of British Overseas Territories (Anguilla; the British Virgin Islands; Cayman Islands; Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands; Montserrat; and the Turks and Caicos Islands), Attorney General and representative of the Crown Dependencies of Guernsey and Jersey, and a representative from the US Department of Justice.

  • Recommendations

    “I have had the privilege of instructing Mike since 2005 in a wide range of matters, including commercial and contract law, property and chancery cases and I can say without hesitation that he is one of the most outstanding counsel I have worked with in my career." Instructing Solicitor

    "What sets Mike apart is his exceptional care of both the lay client and solicitor. Clients routinely comment on how approachable and reassuring he is, even when dealing with difficult or emotionally charged issues. He has a rare ability to strike the perfect balance between professionalism and warmth, instilling confidence while remaining sensitive to the client’s concerns. I recall one particularly anxious client who did not have English as a first language and who was reluctant to proceed with a final hearing considering opting for an very unfavourable settlement; Mike took the time to meet with them in advance, explain the process in a calm and respectful manner, and left them feeling heard, supported, and ready to proceed. He guided this matter through a complex five day trial with very difficult multilingual cross examination and obtained a very favourable judgement." Instructing Solicitor

    "He is also a pleasure to work with as part of a legal team. Mike is refreshingly ego-free, responsive, and open to dialogue, always willing to pick up the phone to talk things. It is very easy to say to Mike that you don’t understand something and he will take the time to explain it.” In-house Lawyer

    "Working with Michael Tomlinson is a blessing. He is tireless and hard working inside and outside the court. His advise is solid and based on the case strengths. He has assisted me in maters and question before and after the hearing. His performance in court is impeccable. I would consider that Michael Tomlinson is a Rolls Royce vehicle in the court racing." Instructing Solicitor

     

     

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