Direct Access Barrister

Sharmistha Michaels

Direct Access Barrister

Sharmistha Michaels

I am a barrister specialising in Professional Discipline & Regulatory law and extradition

Sharmistha’s extensive experience and inclusive approach ensure she gains the confidence of those she represents and secures their full participation in the proceedings they are about to face.

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.










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