Michael Batt
2012 (Middle Temple)
Date of call
2012 (Middle Temple)
Qualifications
LLB. (Hons), Qualified as a Solicitor in 1977
Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
Mike is an experienced and approachable barrister with an extensive track record in Family Law, in both private law and public law cases. He now specialises exclusively in all aspects of Public Law care and adoption cases, acting for parents, extended family members and the children (instructed by their Children’s Guardians.)
He was a member of the Law Society’s Children Panel from 1995 until called to the Bar in 2012.
As a Barrister, Mike regularly represents parents, children and extended family members in care proceedings in the local Magistrates, County and High Courts.
His extensive experience in care proceedings involves alcohol and drug misuse, chronic neglect, non-accidental injuries, complex medical issues and allegations of sexual abuse.
He is particularly interested in representing young and vulnerable people, people with problems relating to alcohol/substance misuse or with learning difficulties/mental health issues. He is also keen to represent grandparents and other extended family members who are anxious to be able to see, or to look after, their grandchildren or other relatives.
A former solicitor, Mike has had first-hand experience of the amount of preparation involved in bringing a case, and of the challenges of sometimes having to give clients advice they don’t want to hear. This makes him highly aware of the needs of his clients and their solicitors.
As a solicitor, he originally specialised in criminal law, acting as a Prosecutor for the Police (pre-CPS) and then as a Defence solicitor.
After the introduction of the Children Act, Mike became more involved in acting for parents in care proceedings, developed a reputation for conducting most of his own advocacy, and conducted lengthy contested final hearings in the County Court; usually against Counsel – some of whom are now colleagues in Chambers.
Mike has two adult sons and six grandchildren. His interests include music, reading, martial arts and learning Spanish.
Mike regularly represents parents, children and extended family members (particularly grandparents) in children-related family matters in the local Magistrates, County and High Courts.
He has extensive experience in care proceedings involving alcohol and drug misuse, chronic neglect, non-accidental injuries, complex medical issues and allegations of sexual abuse.
He is particularly interested in representing young and vulnerable parties and those with problems relating to alcohol/substance misuse or with learning difficulties/mental health.
His combined experience as a solicitor and barrister gives him particularly helpful insights into the issues and conflicts that can arise. He is very aware of how complex things can become when extended family members (grandparents or other relatives), who wish to be able to see or look after the children, are involved.
Mike’s unusual combination of experience of criminal work as a solicitor and an earlier stint as a Probation Officer also helps him to have an understanding of the impact that legal action can have on families and young people.
He has extensive experience in care proceedings involving alcohol and drug misuse, chronic neglect, non-accidental injuries, complex medical issues and allegations of sexual abuse.
He is particularly interested in representing young and vulnerable parties and those with problems relating to alcohol/substance misuse or with learning difficulties/mental health.
His combined experience as a solicitor and barrister gives him particularly helpful insights into the issues and conflicts that can arise. He is very aware of how complex things can become when extended family members (grandparents or other relatives), who wish to be able to see or look after the children, are involved.
Mike’s unusual combination of experience of criminal work as a solicitor and an earlier stint as a Probation Officer also helps him to have an understanding of the impact that legal action can have on families and young people.
Counsel was, as usual, fully available to us throughout the duration of the case, by telephone and email. He explained everything clearly to a client, who had considerable difficulties, and obtained instructions from a client, who might have been perceived by others to have an ambivalent approach to the proceedings due to his difficulties. He reported promptly by telephone post each hearing and provided detailed attendance notes. He was fully committed throughout to securing the best outcome for the client possible. Even other parties in the case commented on the level of legal representation that father received. I have of course used Counsel in a number of cases and have always been extremely pleased with the level of representation and care provided by him to his professional and lay client.
Ms C from Solicitors Instructing Michael Batt
Both yourself and counsel have been very helpful. The service received has been very efficient.
Mrs W from solicitors instructing Michael Batt
Mike is excellent, as always. Very prompt at dealing with everything and I appreciate that he stepped in late at night at very short notice due the court changing the date of the hearing.
Solicitors instructing Mike Batt in Care Proceedings