Michael Levy
- Association Of Regulatory & Disciplinary Lawyers
- British Academy Of Forensic Science
- British Russian Law Association
- Criminal Bar Association
- European Criminal Bar Association
- South Eastern Circuit
- LLB Hons
- Direct Access Qualified
- “Very client friendly and fearless.” Legal 500 2015
Instructing Michael Levy
To instruct Michael or for any further information please contact our clerks on +44 (0)20 7440 8888 or clerks@2br.co.uk.
Michael Levy has a predominantly criminal defence practice, with particular expertise in serious crime, fraud, and regulatory matters. He is frequently instructed in high-profile and complex cases, and is highly regarded for his strategic approach and persuasive advocacy.
Michael appears regularly as leading counsel in some of the most serious criminal cases before the courts, including allegations of murder, large-scale drug conspiracies, serious sexual offences, and financial crime.
Alongside his publicly funded work, Michael is increasingly instructed in private and regulatory matters, including professional discipline and investigations involving financial services, healthcare, and law enforcement sectors. He offers a discreet and highly personalised service, often becoming involved at the earliest stages of an investigation—pre- or post-charge—to provide strategic advice and confidential reassurance to clients navigating unfamiliar and high-stakes proceedings.
Michael is authorised by the Bar Council to accept instructions on a Direct Access basis, and regularly advises individuals and professionals seeking representation outside the legal aid system.
He also embraces modern, flexible working practices, including online conferences and remote hearings, to ensure accessibility and responsiveness for his clients across the UK and internationally.
Practice Areas
Throughout his extensive career, Michael has regularly been instructed in some of the most serious cases to come before the courts.
Notable crime cases
R v Juma
Conspiracy to pervert course of justice. Attempts made to frighten witness, a solicitor. Attempts included shooting at and throwing a live grenade, which exploded, at his front door.
R v Murphy & Others
“The Foxtrot Five” still one of the largest drug importations (cocaine) into this country. Valued in excess of £125million. Secured acquittal of client.
R v Saunders
The Court of Appeal allowed an appeal and quashed the conviction for Assisting an Offender in a murder case. The Court was persuaded that the trial judge had failed to give adequate directions to the jury.
R v Savill
Sex case involving unusual sexual acts and the ability to consent.
R v Cook & Others
Mutiny and riot at Lincoln Prison. Authorities lost control and the inmates took over entire prison.
R v Oliver
Haulage Company involved in large scale conspiracy to alter and falsify tachographs. Largest prosecution of its kind in North East England.
R v Megne
Large scale Eastern European people smuggling.
R v Jeans & Others
Drug importation reported as Van Bokkum and others.
R v Drew
Secured acquittal of Principal Defendant in a large scale escort and prostitution conspiracy.
R v Whitworth
Importation of cigarettes and tobacco.
R v Disney & Others
Large scale drug importation.
R v Thame
Large scale importation.
Michael is regularly instructed in all types of serious and complex fraud – both corporate and personal.
Notable fraud cases
R v Mackay
Fraud by Directors of Derby County Football Club.
R v Ebbrell 1 & 2
Operation Euripus – VAT Fraud involving missing traders (one of largest ever fauds of its kind).
R v MacMakin
Operation Stockade – fraud involving Bonded Warehouses and non-payment of duty (the largest ever single warehouse duty evasion fraud).
R v Williams
Multi-million pound fraud on Network Rail.
R v Roberts
Large scale international money-laundering.
R v Whitworth
Multi-million pound excise duty and VAT fraud.
R v Collins
VAT fraud.
R v Kerry
VAT fraud.
R v Khaliq
Nigerian advance fee fraud.
Michael has been instructed in many murder cases.
Notable murder & manslaughter cases
R v Glen
Contract killing. Murder case in which convicted murderer is released and kills again. First ever murder trial in which the Crown sought to adduce the Defendants previous conviction for murder.
R v Uddin
Leading case on joint enterprise in Murder.
R v Saunders
R v Walsh
R v Didier
R v Correia
Michael has represented many clients involved in a variety of sexual offences including rape and sexual assault – both in relation to recent and historic allegations. He is used to dealing with vulnerable and child witnesses.
Michael is regularly instructed in a wide range of Regulatory and Disciplinary cases, with a growing focus on representing professionals facing investigation or proceedings before their regulatory bodies.
He has particular experience advising healthcare professionals and is regularly appointed to sit as a Legal Assessor at the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) and the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). This dual perspective—as both advocate and assessor—gives Michael valuable insight into the expectations and procedures of professional tribunals.
Michael is authorised to accept instructions directly from members of the public under the Direct Access scheme and offers a discreet, strategic service tailored to individuals facing regulatory or disciplinary action. He provides clear, practical advice from the earliest stages of a case—often well before a formal hearing is listed.
He also offers online consultations, making expert legal advice accessible to clients across the UK and internationally, without the need for a solicitor or in-person meetings. This modern, flexible approach ensures timely support at every stage of the process.
Michael undertakes all cases involving prosecutions by Trading Standards.
Notable business crime cases
R v Campbell & Others
In relation to sale of Alarm Systems.
Michael has recently been instructed to advise pre-inquest in relation to high profile death.
Michael is instructed in every type of motoring case, often on behalf of well-known individuals.
Michael recently advised in relation to criminal offences committed in Ukraine. He has also advised informally in relation to Banking Fraud in Russia.
Michael is approved to conduct cases at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Notable international cases
R v Serafimowicz
First ever prosecution under the War Crimes Act . Michael was the first barrister to be instructed to defend in a case arising out of World war Two since the Nuremburg Trials.
R v Jelesic
International Court in the Hague in relation to War Crimes in the Former Yugoslavia.
