Michael Pooles QC

Year of call: 1978 (Year of silk: 1999)

Specialist areas: professional indemnity, disciplinary, commercial, personal injury

Education: The Perse School Cambridge; LLB (London); Scarman Scholar, Inner Temple Jardine Scholar and Treasurer’s prizewinner (1978).

Appointments: Recorder of the Crown Court

ADR: Qualified Mediator 2003

Committees: Board Member of the Bar Standards Board; Former member of the Professional Conduct Committee (and the Legal Services Committee) of the Bar Council of England and Wales.

• Taylor Walton v Laing [2008] PNLR 11.   Abuse of process by way of relitigation.

• Zurich Professional v Karim [2006] EWHC 3355. Exclusion of professional indemnity cover due to dishonesty committed or condoned.

Publications & lectures:

• Editor of the solicitors’ chapter of Professional negligence and Liability (Informa looseleaf)

"The best of them is undoubtedly Michael Pooles QC. 'Always sure in his approach, he gives nothing away - he seems to be calm and measured both when he's doing well and when the empire is beginning to crumble. And that's an art,' explained sources." Chambers UK 2010

“Michael Pooles QC, 'one of the most approachable of silks, who really understands the solicitors profession.' In addition to providing strong advices, Pooles offers great advocacy. Clients cite his ability to 'get straight to the essence of the case' as his major selling point whilst admiring his 'unerring judgement as to how an argument will play out'." Chambers UK 2009

"The admirable Michael Pooles QC 'reassures clients with his clear grasp of the issues and unfailing ability to explain the most complex situation simply'." Chambers UK 2009

“One of (Hailsham’s) brightest stars is Michael Pooles QC, who 'just about everyone in the market is a fan of'."  Chambers UK 2008