Partner & Manager of the Prisons & Public Law Team
Mike is a Partner and manages the Prisons, Community Care & Public Law teams within the Civil Liberties Unit of the firm.
He joined Stephensons in 1998 completing a Training Contract with the firm between 1999-2001 and qualifying as a solicitor in September 2001
Mike has now been specialising in prison law, human rights and Judicial Reviews arising from public law issues since that time and has been involved in a number of high profile cases (see below).
Mike has a special interest in all aspects of life and indeterminate sentences but is also able to assist with the everyday problems that fixed term prisoners experience. It is worthy to note that many of his clients maintain their innocence and are pursuing appeals or applications to the Criminal Cases Review Commission.
Other areas of work include Inquests, police complaints and Judicial Reviews arising from the actions (or lack) of a number of different public authorities.
Mike has appeared on television and radio programmes concerning prison law and other human rights issues, he has also lectured on accredited prison law courses.
He is a member of the INQUEST Lawyers Group, Prison Lawyers Advisory Group and Manchester Prison Law Practitioner Group.
He is also a member of the Association of Prison Lawyers and sat on their Executive Committee between 2008-2011.
He has been recognised in Chambers and Partners guide to the Legal Profession 2009 - 2011:
Mike Pemberton is building up a reputation as an expert prison lawyer. He is particularly knowledgeable on issues related to life and indeterminate sentences.
[2009 Prison Law & Civil Liberties]
At Stephensons, Mike Pemberton has established himself as an expert in prison law with an important practice.
(Chamber and Partners 2010 Civil Liberties: Prison Law)
Michael Pemberton of Stephensons frequently brings judicial reviews relating to prisons and parole, and his standard of client care sets him apart from many competitors.
(Chamber and Partners 2010 Administrative and Public Law)
Mike Pemberton of Stephensons is "an outstanding practitioner who pushes the boundaries of the law through complete command of his material and diligence in promoting his clients' interests." He is especially praised for his knowledge of prison law.
(Chambers and Partners 2011 Administrative and Public Law: Traditional Claimant)
Stephensons
This firm's large and "extremely impressive" criminal department has increased its profile in the region. Much of the department's higher courts advocacy is undertaken by its in-house advocates. Recent cases have ranged from murder to sexual offences.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Observers are full of praise for Michael Pemberton, who manages the department's crime special cases team. Sources say: "He is very down to earth and 100% honest. He always goes the extra mile for his clients without losing objectivity."
(Chambers and Partners 2011 Crime)
Mike Pemberton of Manchester-based Stephensons has a national reputation for his success in acting for prisoners in human rights challenges.
(Chambers and Partners 2011 Civil Liberties: Prison Law)
Cases of interest include:
The Stirland Inquest [2010]
R (on the application of JF) –v- Secretary of State for Justice [2009] EWCA Civ 792
R (on the application of Brooke & Ors) -v- The Parole Board & Anor [2008] EWCA Civ 29
The Queen (ota Michael Brooke, Gagik Ter-Ogannisyan, David O'Connell and Michael Murphy) -v- The Parole Board and Secretary of State for the Home Department (2007) EWHC 2036, 2037, 2038. (Admin)
R -v- Caines [2006] EWCA Crim 2915
