Michelle Stewart is a Duty Accredited criminal defence solicitor, experienced in managing a substantial Police Station, Magistrates Court, Youth Court and Crown Court caseload. She has had conduct of a wide range of criminal matters including fraud and other dishonesty offences, serious violent crime, sexual offences, firearms matters, drug offences and murder.

She is committed, well-motivated and dedicated solicitor who has the ability to empathise with clients, particularly clients who have no experience of the criminal justice system which includes youths charged with a variety of serious offences.  Her excellent organisational skills allow her to prioritise her workload to accommodate deadlines. She is thoughtful and a positive member of the Leeds criminal defence team with a professional conscientious and intellectual attitude to representing clients.

Michelle places great emphasis on client care and her excellent record of securing positive results for clients is an enviable one. She is a supervising solicitor, committed to ensuring that the next generation of criminal defence solicitors receive the best training possible alongside a proactive approach to criminal defence work.

Qualifications

• LLB (Hons) Law – University of Huddersfield
• Diploma in Legal Practice
• Police Station Qualification
• Magistrates’ Court Qualification (CLAS Stage 1) (2012)

Recent Cases

R v I

Represented client at the police station with significant psychological issues, charged with an offence of Murder and Sexual Assault by penetration.  Instructed Phil Mahoney as Junior and Brenda Campbell KC to represent him at Leeds Crown Court.

R v C

Represented a client, who was a serving prisoner, charged with a S.18 wounding with intent.  Instructed Phil Mahoney as advocate at Sheffield Crown Court and was able to persuade the Crown to accept a plea to a lesser charge of S20 (Inflicting GBH).

R v K

Represented a youth charged with an offence of Conspiracy to Rob, which involved him in participation of a series of group-action robberies against multiple victims, some involving the use of weapons.   Her ability to engage with this client, who had learning difficulties, resulted in him receiving a non -custodial sentence Leeds Crown Court.

Client & Professional Feedback

• “The firm is responsive and easy to reach, which is not always the case in criminal law. You get the impression they are always willing to go above and beyond what is necessary to ensure their clients’ cases are as well prepared as possible and they receive the best possible outcome”.
• Terrifically hard working and responsive team. Just fantastic.  Willing to go the extra mile or three.  Always pick up the phone and deal”.