Michael qualified as a solicitor in 1992 in London, having graduated from Warwick University and the College of Law, Chancery Lane. He founded Butler and Co. in 2005, and was previously a partner at Claude Hornby and Cox, London and a consultant at Nunn Rickard Solicitor Advocates, Exeter.
Michael is a Higher Court Advocate, obtaining higher rights of audience in 2003, and specialises in mental health law, acting for detained patients all over the country. He has lectured to fellow professionals for Central Law Training since 1999, and now presents the approved 2-day course for all candidates wishing to join the Law Society panel of expert mental health lawyers. He is a member of the mental health panel. He also has a wealth of experience as a criminal litigator in cases ranging from shoplifting to terrorism and multi-million pound fraud.