Michael Magarian KC

Year of CALL 1988 | SILK 2011

Tenant

mmkc@mlcs.law
michaelmagariankc@millenniumchambers.com
michaelmagariankc@millenniumchambers.com.cjsm.net

EXPERTISE

Michael Magarian KC, a standout in criminal trials and appeals advocacy, brings a unique approach to his practice. Renowned for his exceptional ability to navigate complex legal situations and provide strategic counsel, Michael’s commitment to delivering superior advocacy has earned him the trust of professional clients from the start of legal proceedings.

Michael’s expertise lies in representing defendants facing charges of serious fraud, financial misconduct, and acts of violence, including murder and homicide. He also has proven experience in defending individuals facing allegations of sexual offences, manslaughter, child cruelty cases, and incidents of death resulting from dangerous driving. He is frequently sought out by clients convicted post-trial, leveraging his insights to navigate applications and appeals before the Court of Appeal Criminal Division.

Michael’s reputation is a testament to his relentless defence advocacy, evident in his impressive track record in high-profile cases. His exceptional skill in cross-examination has earned him widespread recognition as one of the leading practitioners at the Bar. His precision, eloquence, and adaptability make him a formidable force in the legal field, instilling confidence in his clients.

Michael’s vast expertise extends to handling diverse legal matters and novel points of law. His track record is a testament to his ability to effectively advocate for and represent his clients, reassuring them of his capabilities.

MICHAEL SPECIALISES IN ADVISING & REPRESENTING PEOPLE CHARGED WITH

BUSINESS CRIME:

Fraud and Corporate Crime: Misrepresentation or deceit in business
Money Laundering: Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA); concealing the origins of illegally obtained money
False accounting
Tax evasion
Market abuse: Insider Trading; Illegal securities trading based on non-public information
Ponzi schemes
Bribery and Corruption
Sanctions
Anti-competition

CRIMES AGAINST THE PERSON:

Murder and manslaughter
Grievous Bodily Harm
Sexual Offences: Rape, sexual assault, assault by penetration, sexual exploitation, child sex abuse and trafficking, extreme pornography
Human trafficking: Modern slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour
Kidnap: False imprisonment, child abduction

CRIMES AGAINST THE STATE:

Terrorism: Acts of violence to instil fear for political purposes

CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER:

Disorderly Conduct: Disturbance of public peace
Rioting: Participation in violent public disturbances
Unlawful Assembly: Gathering with intent to disturb public peace

CRIMES AGAINST THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE:

Perjury: Lying under oath
Obstruction of Justice: Interfering with legal processes
Contempt of Court: Disrespect or disobedience towards the court

CYBERCRIME:

Computer Misuse Act
Fraud
Intellectual property crime – piracy, counterfeiting and forgery
Disclosing private sexual images without consent
Cyberstalking and harassment
Coercion and control

DRUG OFFENCES:

Trafficking
Supply and distribution of illegal substances
Importation
Possession

FIREARMS OFFENCES:

Importation of Firearms
Possession of Firearms and shotguns without a certificate
Manufacture, sale, transfer of firearms, conversion
Possession of articles for conversion of imitation firearms
Possession of prohibited weapons

FRAUD:

Art and Antique Fraud
Benefit Fraud
Credit Card Fraud
Investment Fraud
Mail and Wire Fraud
Money Laundering
Mortgage Fraud

HATE CRIMES:

Racist and Religious hate crime
Homophobic crime
Antisemitic crime
Islamophobic crime

SERIOUS ORGANISED CRIME:

Conspiracy to Money launder
Excise and tax fraud (including oils fraud)
Intellectual property crime (including counterfeit goods)
Armed robbery and cash-in-transit attacks
Counterfeit currency
Human trafficking
Organised immigration crime
Environmental crime

Notable Cases

MURDER & MANSLAUGHTER

Michael Magarian KC is regarded as one of the top silks practising regularly at the Old Bailey.

Since his appearance in the original Damilola Taylor trial, in which his client was acquitted, Michael has developed a reputation for fearless advocacy and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with his client. He is, in addition, an expert in appellate advocacy who regularly appears in the Court of Appeal for cases where he was not trial counsel.

He has appeared in many gang cases and is an expert on drill music and its misuse in murder trials. He recently acted for the drill musician K-O, who wrote some music for the Netflix series Top Boy.

Examples of other cases:

R v MP & NM | Pair killed and disembowelled inmate

The following were high-profile acquittals at the Old Bailey:

R v AB | Uber driver cleared of murdering eight-week son by shaking him in a fury

R v KG & MT | Innocent woman gunned down near children’s playground

R v SL | Acquittal in bones allotment murder trial

SERIOUS SEXUAL OFFENCES

Michael is an experienced barrister who has assisted clients facing sexual allegations on a private basis. He has established a reputation by taking on appeals in cases where individuals have been convicted using other lawyers. Michael has a unique talent for drafting compelling grounds of appeal and exploring every avenue to ensure his clients receive the justice they deserve. As a result, he has a proven track record of succeeding where others have not.

In a recent case, Michael achieved significant success in a sex case where a unique constitution of the Court of Appeal agreed with his submissions that there had been significant procedural errors in the Crown Court: See para 62 of Gould & Ors v R. [2021] EWCA Crim 447

Court of appeal

In Hodges, the CA, presided over by the Lady Chief Justice, said, “The main thrust of the appeal, which has presented with great skill and force by Mr Magarian”. Hodges, R. v (Rev1) [2021] EWCA Crim 1298 (30 July 2021) (bailii.org)

In Gould, convictions were quashed by a special constitution of the CA, with 3 Lords Justices, Gould & Ors v R. [2021] EWCA Crim 447 (30 March 2021) (bailii.org)

RECOMMENDATIONS

The Legal 500 [2024] says, ‘Michael Magarian KC is an outstanding silk with a great command of the law. He is meticulous in his work, a pleasure to work with, and always passionate in his representation of his clients. His advocacy is first-class. He is truly an expert in his field.’

Chambers and Partners [2024] says, ‘Michael Magarian KC is phenomenally clever, very hard-working and highly meticulous.’

APPOINTMENTS

King’s Counsel – 2011

EDUCATION

Double First at Cambridge.

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