Michael Borrelli KC

Call: 1977 / Silk: 2000

“A quality silk.”

Chambers UK 2024: Crime

“Michael is a master strategist.”

Chambers UK 2024: Financial Crime

“He is the epitome of a pugilistic performer.”

Chambers UK 2024: Financial Crime

“His superior skill at cross-examination is a powerful tool for instructing solicitors to have in their armoury.”

Chambers UK 2023: Crime

"Michael is a very dogged advocate"

Chambers UK 2023: Financial Crime

Michael Borrelli KC defends in high profile, serious and complex crime, and in other areas of quasi-criminal work, including Inquests and Disciplinary work, where his advocacy skills can be fully utilised.

He is instructed to review and advise on appellate work and to conduct cases in the Court of Appeal, both here and in Northern Ireland, where he also has experience in non-jury trials with a terrorist or paramilitary link. He has developed a reputation for his ability in cases requiring both tactical acumen, and careful handling of witnesses. He has considerable skills as a robust cross-examiner and is well known for the commanding presence he makes in Court, and his abilities in the examination and testing of experts’ evidence. He has defended in numerous well-publicised trials involving murder, money laundering, drugs and hijacking.

Michael’s expertise in fraud includes banking, duty evasion, phishing fraud, mortgage and land banking fraud. He has defended in prosecutions brought by the SFO and the FCA.

Legal Expertise

Crime overview

The majority of his practice since taking Silk has been at the Central Criminal Court.

  • Armed robbery
  • Corruption
  • Drugs trafficking
  • Homicide

Notable Crime cases

R v C & Ors

Killing of victim of street robbery with Zombie Killer knife by 16 year old.

R v C & Ors

Unproked attempted murder of stranger who was stabbed 11 times by a 15 year old.

R V L & Ors

Brutal killing of rival gang menber, hacked to death with machete on the Blackbird Leys Estate. Subsequent appeal saw Court of Appeal set Guidelines for Judges confronted with extended periods of holiday during Jury retirement.

R v P & Ors

Victim of attempoted murder, rival drug dealer shot in face during County Lines reprisal shooting. Subsequent appeal considered identifiaction witnesses’ evidence being impugned by Prosecution.

R v P

Misconduct in public office.

R v T

Defence of one of two gunmen tried for shooting dead an aspiring rapper.

R v A

A cold case review, following quashing of the murder conviction, after a BBC Rough Justice investigation.

R v C

Defended the head of the family of travellers prosecuted for allegations of keeping vulnerable men in servitude or requiring them to perform forced labour, and it was one of the first cases under new anti-slavery legislation.

R v D

The missing body murder of a drug dealer in the Midlands.

R v A

The law undergraduate who murdered his 80 year old father and buried the body under concrete.

R v O

The murder of a Matalan store manager.

R v W

The 'slave' whose dismembered body was found in the Blue Lagoon.

R v P

Millionaire property developer extradited from USA to face murder allegation of tenant who impeded property development.

R v C

Second case of murder conviction ordered to be quashed and retried, with a subsequent attempted murder, resulting in a change of plea to manslaughter.

R v M

The shooting in nightclub of ex British heavyweight boxing champion.

R v E

Alleged manslaughter of soldier by ‘Beasting’ and punishment drill.

R v C

Murder and kidnap of 15 year old “missing Essex schoolgirl” Danielle Jones.

R v L

Representation of one of the two acquitted Afghans in the first Stansted hijack trial.

Fraud

Fraud overview

  • Banking fraud
  • Duty evasion
  • Money laundering
  • Mortgage fraud
  • Phishing fraud

Notable Fraud cases

R v H

CEO charged with computer hacking of company computers.

R v W

Acting on behalf of a Solicitor in a land banking fraud, who had been advising and acting for the Director and owner of a land buying company.

R v E

Represented principal defendant, the founder and head of a property development group, one six charged in connection with a loan fraud of over £30million.

School Govenors accused of involvement in a £1.8M fraud conspiracy.

Money Laundering and Mortgage Fraud, of funds stolen from the Delta State in Nigeria.

Inquests/disciplinary

Acted on behalf of the Police Federation and represented 11 police officers in the Seni Lewis Inquest; a death arising out of a restraint in a mental hospital. The six officers subsequently facing gross misconduct were totally exonerated.

Acted on behalf of the Police Federation and represented two police officers in re-opened Inquest into the death of a motorcyclist, Onese Power, following a police chase. The Jury’s findings exonerated both officers of any blame.

Crime

R v C and ors
Killing of victim of street robbery with Zombie Killer knife by 16 year old.

R v C and ors
Unprovoked attempted murder of stranger who was stabbed 11 times by a 15 year old.

R V L and ors
Brutal killing of rival gang member, hacked to death with machete on the Blackbird Leys Estate.
Subsequent appeal saw Court of Appeal set Guidelines for Judges confronted with extended periods of holiday during Jury retirement.

R v P and ors
Victim of attempted murder, rival drug dealer shot in face during County Lines reprisal shooting.
Subsequent appeal considered identification witnesses’ evidence being impugned by Prosecution.

R v P
Misconduct in public office

R v T
Defence of one of two gunmen tried for shooting dead an aspiring rapper

R v A
A cold case review, following quashing of the murder conviction, after a BBC Rough Justice investigation

R v C
Defended the head of the family of travellers prosecuted for allegations of keeping vulnerable men in servitude or requiring them to perform forced labour, and it was one of the first cases under new anti-slavery legislation.

R v D
The missing body murder of a drug dealer in the Midlands

R v A
The law undergraduate who murdered his 80 year old father and buried the body under concrete

R v O
The murder of a Matalan store manager

R v W
The ‘slave’ whose dismembered body was found in the Blue Lagoon

R v P
Millionaire property developer extradited from USA to face murder allegation of tenant who impeded property development

R v C
Second case of murder conviction ordered to be quashed and retried, with a subsequent attempted murder, resulting in a change of plea to manslaughter

R v M
The shooting in nightclub of ex British heavyweight boxing champion

R v E
Alleged manslaughter of soldier by ‘Beasting’ and punishment drill

R v C
Murder and kidnap of 15 year old “missing Essex schoolgirl” Danielle Jones

R v L
Representation of one of the two acquitted Afghans in the first Stansted hijack trial.

Fraud

R v H
CEO charged with computer hacking of company computers

R v W
Acting on behalf of a Solicitor in a land banking fraud, who had been advising and acting for the Director and owner of a land buying company.

R v E
Represented principal defendant, the founder and head of a property development group, one six charged in connection with a loan fraud of over £30million.

R v D
School Governors accused of involvement in a £1.8M fraud conspiracy

R v I
Money Laundering and Mortgage Fraud, of funds stolen from the Delta State in Nigeria

Other notable cases

R v Passmore
Misconduct in public office

R v Walker
“Operation Cotton” land banking fraud

R v Entwistle
Six month loan fraud trial involving RBS, NatWest, Northern Rock and other lending institutions

R v Day and others
School Governors accused of involvement in a £1.8M fraud conspiracy

R v Thomas
Defence of one of two gunmen tried for shooting dead an aspiring rapper

R v Ahmed
A cold case review, following quashing of the murder conviction, after a BBC Rough Justice investigation

R v Connors
Irish travellers prosecuted for allegations of keeping vulnerable men in servitude and was one of the first cases under new anti-slavery legislation

R v Theresa Ibori
Money Laundering and Mortgage Fraud

R v Doe
The missing body murder of a drug dealer in the Midlands

R v Alexander
The law undergraduate who murdered his 80 year old father and buried the body under concrete

R v Owuso
The murder of a Matalan store manager

R v Watt
The ‘slave’ whose dismembered body was found in the Blue Lagoon

R v Papalexis
Millionaire property developer extradited from USA to face murder allegation of tenant who impeded property development

R v Celaire
First case of murder conviction ordered to be quashed and retried, with a subsequent attempted murder, resulting in a change of plea to manslaughter

R v Mulenga
The shooting in nightclub of ex British heavyweight boxing champion

R v Edwards
Alleged manslaughter of soldier by ‘Beasting’ and punishment drill

Key contacts

“A quality silk.”  Chambers UK 2024:  Crime

“Michael is a master strategist.”  Chambers UK 2024:  Financial Crime

“He is the epitome of a pugilistic performer.”  Chambers UK 2024:  Financial Crime

“His superior skill at cross-examination is a powerful tool for instructing solicitors to have in their armoury.”  Chambers UK 2023:  Crime

“Michael is a very dogged advocate.”  Chambers UK 2023:  Financial Crime

“Michael is tough, shrewd, clear-sighted and has a bit of dash in the courtroom.”  Legal 500 2023:  Crime

“He is excellent.”  Chambers UK 2022:  Crime

“An experienced and reliable barrister who remains calm under pressure.”  Chambers UK 2022:  Crime

“He commands the respect of the court.”  Chambers UK 2022:  Financial Crime

“A silky-smooth advocate who wins the ear of the judge and jury very quickly. He has a really polished style.”  Chambers UK 2021:  Crime

“A QC with an incredible presence in court, he is very approachable and adored by clients.”  Chambers UK 2021:  Crime

“He is a silk of true integrity and has the most amazing court presence – when he stands up everybody listens.  He is a real fighter with a first-rate brain.”  Chambers UK 2021:  Financial Crime

“A robust cross-examiner” who “has a real presence in court.” Chambers UK 2020: Crime

“…absolutely destructive in cross-examination, He is a very charming man and you wouldn’t want him for an opponent.” “Very thorough in his approach, very user-friendly and very good with clients.” Chambers UK 2019: Crime

“An experienced robust cross-examiner with presence and good judgement.” Legal 500 2019: Crime

“He defends in multi-defendant fraud cases”. Legal 500 2019: Fraud

“Very stylish and effective.” Chambers UK 2018: Crime

“…he is a fantastic tactician who masters papers quickly.” Chambers UK 2018: Crime

“Cross-examination is his most powerful tool.” Legal 500 2017: Crime

“A stylish and sophisticated silk with a depth of experience.” Legal 500 2017: Crime

“His attention to detail and robust cross-examination are his keys to success.” Legal 500 2017: Fraud

“Specialising in complex defence work, he has been party to some of the most high-profile criminal cases in recent times.” “He’s a very polished and stylish advocate who excels at cross-examination.” “He’s at the very top of his game and is universally respected by all solicitors.” Chambers UK 2017: Crime

“Enormously respected and liked.” Legal 500 2016: Fraud

“Admired for his ‘rapier-like’ advocacy style and his efficacy in cross-examinations. He is particularly good at serious criminal matters with significant forensic evidence aspects, including cold case murders. He is a tremendous advocate. He is a hugely experienced and highly regarded silk who is a robust cross-examiner and a fearless advocate.” Chambers UK 2016: Crime

“He is an extremely persuasive jury advocate and he is good on the law. He has fantastic forensic cross-examining skills and brings everything together beautifully in his closing speeches. A class act.” Chambers UK 2015: Crime

  • Criminal Bar Association
  • Fraud Lawyers Association
  • Association of Regulatory & Disciplinary Lawyers
  • Called to the Bar in 1977
  • Silk 2000
  • Called to the Bar of Northern Ireland: 2018
    (Member of the Bar Library)
  • Member of the Criminal Bar Association
  • Former member of the Criminal Bar Association Committee
  • Former member of the International Practice Committee of the Bar Council
  • Member of the Royal Automobile Club
  • Keen motorsport enthusiast
  • Rugby fan

I, Michael Borrelli KC, am a data controller and can be contacted at 3 Raymond Buildings, Gray’s Inn, London WC1R 5BH or by telephone on 020 7400 6400 or by email at michael.borrelli@3rblaw.com. My Data Protection Policy can be found below.

All personal data that I process is for the purposes of providing legal services, conducting conflict-checks, marketing, defending potential complaints, legal proceedings or fee disputes, keeping anti-money laundering records, training other barristers and pupils and when providing work-shadowing opportunities, and/or exercising a right to a lien. The types of data I process vary upon the nature of the legal matter in relation to which I am engaged to advise, but can include names, contact details, biographic details and ‘special category personal data’ (such as details of racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, health, sex life and criminal convictions and proceedings).

Depending upon the circumstances of the case, the legal bases upon which I process personal data are (i) the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party or in order to take steps at the request of the data subject prior to entering into a contract, (ii) the processing is necessary to comply with legal obligations to which I am subject, or (iii) the processing is necessary for the legitimate interests set out above, except where such interests are overridden by the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subjects which require protection of personal data, in particular where the data subject is a child. When I rely on (iii) legitimate interests, my ‘Legitimate Interests Assessment’ can be found here. When I process data which has not be obtained directly from the data subject (e.g. personal data contained in evidential materials), it will have been supplied to me as part of my instructions in circumstances covered by legal professional privilege.

Depending upon the circumstances of the case, I may share the personal data with:

  1. my Chambers, which supplies professional and administrative support to my practice;
  2. Courts and other tribunals to whom documents are presented;
  3. my lay and professional clients;
  4. potential witnesses, in particular experts, and friends or family of the data subject;
  5. solicitors, barristers, pupils, mini pupils and other legal representatives;
  6. ombudsmen and regulatory authorities;
  7. current, past or prospective employers;
  8. education and examining bodies;
  9. business associates, professional advisers and trade bodies.

I retain personal data for no longer than 7 years after the case has come to an end or as otherwise required by law.

I do not intend to transfer data to any country which is not either within the European Union, ‘white listed’ by the EU or otherwise permitted by EU law (e.g. to the USA under the provisions of the ‘Privacy Shield’).

Under the GDPR, data subjects whose personal data I process have the right to request from me access to, and rectification or erasure of, their personal data, the right to the restriction of processing concerning them, the right to object to processing as well as the right to data portability. Data subjects also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ico.org.uk).

In cases where there is a contract between me and the data subject, the provision of personal data is a contractual requirement and the data subject is obliged to provide the personal data in order that I can supply legal services. A failure to provide such data may mean that I will not be able to provide the legal services.

 

Rev 1.1 05.03.2019

Data Protection Policy

Legitimate Interests Assessment

Michael Borrelli KC is qualified to accept instructions direct from clients under the Bar Council’s Public Access Scheme. This means that members of the public who seek specialist advice can come direct to him. In addition, he welcomes instructions from solicitors, in-house law departments, qualified foreign lawyers, and clients licensed by the Bar Council to give instructions direct to barristers under the Bar Council’s Licensed Access Scheme.

For further information please contact our Clerks.