Midland Circuit
No5 Barristers’ Chambers continues to be recognised as ‘a very efficient barristers’ chambers’, with its members appearing in a wide array of high-profile and complex criminal cases, including allegations of murder, terrorism, drug conspiracies, and serious sexual offences. Michael Duck KC recently secured convictions in a trial involving the fatal stabbing of a non-league footballer on a nightclub dance floor—two defendants were convicted of murder, while a third was found guilty of affray. Michelle Heeley KC, described as ’excellent with clients and advocacy’, successfully prosecuted a defendant in a case involving the homophobic murder of an elderly gay man; the offender received a life sentence with a minimum term of 25 years. John O’Higgins recently represented a man convicted of manslaughter after being accused of murder in a case involving the brutal assault of a vulnerable individual in his own home. Ian Bridge and Tim Pole remain go-to counsel for serious road traffic matters and are regularly instructed in cases involving fatal collisions and life-altering injuries.
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Mentions
Profile
Position
Michell's practice consists of dealing predominantly with complex, multi-handed trials such as murder, wide-scale drug conspiracies, and serious sexual offences. Instructed regularly by CPS Complex Casework Unit to prosecute the most serious cases, and in defence cases known for her sensitive handling of vulnerable witnesses and defendants.
She is regularly instructed privately to defend in high profile sexual offence allegations.
Career
Michelle became Joint Head of No5 Chambers in January 2025, having complete her three year term as Leader of the Midland Circuit.
Her practice consists of dealing predominantly with complex, multi-handed trials such as murder, wide-scale drug conspiracies, and serious sexual offences. Instructed regularly by CPS Complex Casework Unit to prosecute the most serious cases, and in defence cases known for her sensitive handling of vulnerable witnesses and defendants.
She is regularly instructed privately to defend in high profile sexual offence allegations. She also undertakes reviews of convictions to advise on appeals to the Court of Appeal.
Michelle also undertakes work for the Police Federation, representing Officers in criminal proceedings, inquests and Gross Misconduct matters.
Languages
Fluent German.
Education
LLB (Hons Law and German); Nottingham Law School (BVC).
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Andrew Trotter can always be relied on to provide a response and keep up to date with the progress of a case or counsel's instructions. He goes above and beyond his duties.'
- 'Micky Powell and Andrew Trotter offer sterling service and are always available to take calls and emails and respond swiftly.'
- 'The clerks are friendly and approachable and very swift to respond. Andrew Trotter leads the set excellently.'
- 'The senior practice director, Andrew Trotter, is as good a criminal clerk who knows his job inside out. He knows the strengths and abilities of his barristers, and he works hard to ensure solicitors are never left disappointed with any aspect of the service delivered by the No5 criminal clerks team.'
- 'No5 Barristers’ Chambers is an exceptional set, with a wealth of barristers with varying levels of experience in criminal matters.'
- 'No5 Barristers’ Chambers is the best criminal set in the circuit, with good criminal barristers at all levels.'
- 'No5 Barristers’ Chambers is a strong set with a wide variety of strong advocates.'
- 'No5 Barristers’ Chambers is a set of professional barristers who provide excellent advice and advocacy.'