Direct Access Barrister
Sharmistha Michaels
Direct Access Barrister
Sharmistha Michaels
I have been a barrister for nearly 20 years and have a busy and varied practice. I enjoy direct access work because it means I can assist an individual from the beginning to the end of their case ensuring that relevant material is put before panels/ tribunals and provide the necessary legal support during what can be a very difficult time for the individual.
Area of Law
Professional Discipline
I accept instructions to advise and provide representation in disciplinary proceedings for individuals and regulators from various sectors. I have a wealth of experience and frequently appears before fitness to practice and interim order tribunals/committees.
I sit as a Legally Qualified Chair for the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS), which determines a doctor’s fitness to practise following an allegation of misconduct referred by the GMC. I also sits as a Legally Qualified Chair of the Investigating Committee Panel (ICP) for the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
I have also been appointed and sits as a Legally Qualified Chair presiding over misconduct hearings involving police officers from Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Suffolk and Norfolk constabularies and I have also been recently appointed as a legal adviser to the IFoA
What sort of work do I do?
I accept instructions to advise and provide representation in professional disciplinary proceedings for individuals and regulators from various sectors at interim order hearings, review hearings and full hearings. I have a wealth of experience and regularly appear before fitness to practice and interim order tribunals/committees conducting complex cases for registrants and individuals. As a legally qualified chair/ legal assessor for various regulators including healthcare/police and financial sector has given me an excellent footing in the law around these proceedings. Unfortunately I am unable to accept instructions for MPTS or HCPC matters due to potential conflicts of interest.
I am instructed in both Part 1 and Part 2 extradition matters. I prosecute and defends at Westminster Magistrates Court and in the High Court on appeal. I have a wide range of experience in dealing with complex legal arguments.
I am on the CPS Specialist list for Extradition, Grade 2.
Who do I work for?
In my regulatory practice, my clients range from individuals such as nurses and other professionals ( not those registered with the GMC or HCPC) such as Social workers and teachers as well as students facing disciplinary hearings.I also represent regulators. I also have experience in financial regulatory law.