Michael Wolkind KC | Former Head of MC Chambers

Michael Wolkind KC is the former Head of MC Chambers – a top criminal defence barrister set, now led by Kieran Vaughan KC

Michael Wolkind KC [formerly QC] was widely recognised as one of the UK’s top criminal trial and appeal barristers. He was widely considered the first choice counsel for both criminal trials and criminal appeals.

Owing to ill-health, Michael no longer represents clients in Court. He has removed himself from the Register of Practicing Barristers.

Michael began his practice as a barrister in 1976. He did not have a planned career path but soon found myself drawn to criminal law and defence work. All these years later this is how it stayed. His ‘job satisfaction’ remained the same until his retirement from active practice in 2023.

In 1999 Michael became a KC [formerly QC] and appeared in courts in many countries abroad as well as all over the UK.

He always felt it was a privilege to hear people’s stories and have the opportunity to help. After his day fighting cases at the Old Bailey, for three years he was also a Bereavement Counsellor in the evenings.

He has three outstanding adult children, and is blessed to be their dad. As kids they all knew of my fear of dogs but persuaded me to change. My first ever dog, the wonderful Cato the Flat-Coated Retriever, passed on after a happy life. Just a few years ago the amazing Dylan the Cocker Spaniel then followed. Michael now spend as much time as possible with Milo, the marvellous Cockapoo. They go for long walks and discuss Law and Life. Also, he throws tennis balls. He chases them but never throws them back.

In November 2016, Michael was invited to address Oxford University Bar Society about his career, “40 years of Murder”. He has appeared many times on TV and on Internet films about notorious cases where he has fought against bad prosecutions. There is such satisfaction in defeating injustice.