“Michael is excellent with clients and good with technical work.”

Chambers UK 2024, Chancery

Michael has an extensive wills & trusts practice, and regularly advises on the construction of wills, challenges to the validity of wills, claims in respect of mutual wills, applications to remove or replace personal representatives, applications for directions in the administration of estates, breach of trust claims (particularly in respect of but not limited to estates), proprietary estoppel and constructive trust claims and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependents) Act 1975.

Michael is able to draw upon his experience as a senior associate teacher of trusts at the University of Bristol (which continues) and is able to advise upon the tax aspects of wills, trusts and estates having previously practiced as specialist tax solicitor and chartered tax adviser.

Directory Quotes

Michael Clarke has a broad practice. He is very down to earth, very practical and thinks quickly on feet.

Chambers UK 2025, Chancery

Michael is excellent with clients and good with technical work.”

Chambers UK 2024, Chancery

Michael is very personable and takes a pragmatic approach to cases.”

The Legal 500 2024, Chancery, Probate, and Tax

Michael has a broad practice that includes matters concerning capital gains tax, stamp duty and inheritance tax. He is also qualified as a chartered tax adviser.”

Chambers UK 2024, Tax

Michael has a broad practice that includes matters concerning capital gains tax, employment tax, stamp duty and inheritance tax. ‘Michael Clarke is very knowledgeable on tax.’ “

Chambers UK 2023, Tax

Michael has the ability to do chancery and tax together so it makes him an excellent resource. ‘He is a very down-to-earth and practical barrister. He talks straight and just gives you a focused view on what the practical answer is.’ “

Chambers UK 2021, Tax

Very bright and always comes up with practical solutions.”

The Legal 500 2020, Commercial, Banking, Insolvency and Chancery Law

He is a very knowledgeable, competent and down-to-earth person. ‘He is very approachable and very practical.’”

Chambers UK 2020, Tax

Michael is a very knowledgeable, competent and down-to-earth person. ‘He is very approachable and very practical.’ “

Chambers UK 2020, Tax

Michael is a very knowledgeable, competent and down-to-earth person.’He is very approachable and very practical.’ “

Chambers UK 2020, Tax

He is a very knowledgeable, competent and down-to-earth person.” “He is very approachable and very practical.”

Chambers UK 2020, Tax

Cerebral and a quick thinker on his feet.”

Legal 500 2019, Commercial, Banking, Insolvency and Chancery Law

Michael is extremely cost-effective and thorough in his advice. ‘He’s very practical, down-to-earth and approachable. He’s intelligent in an understated way and certainly thinks very quickly on his feet. The main thing is that he is sensible so he doesn’t overreach himself.’ “

Chambers UK 2019, Tax

A promising junior with a broad practice that includes matters concerning capital gains tax, employment tax, stamp duty and inheritance tax. He is also qualified as a chartered tax adviser. ‘He is very practical and comes up with simple solutions which we like.’ ‘He is very measured and thinks quickly whilst on his feet.’ “

Chambers UK 2018, Tax

Michael’s soft-spoken courtroom manner is hugely effective.”

Legal 500 2017, Commercial, Banking, Insolvency and Chancery law
  • Appointments:

    • Senior Associate Teacher, University of Bristol, Law of Trusts
    • Junior Counsel to the Crown 2015 to 2020
  • Qualifications & awards:

    • University of Bristol – First Class (2001)
  • Additional information:

    Michael’s interests include owning, riding and maintaining classic motorcycles.

  • Michael Clarke is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.