Full Profile
Michelle specialises in representing clients at inquests, the majority of which engage Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, requiring enhanced investigations by a Coroner sitting with a jury. She works closely with corporate clients and their custodial staff, providing comprehensive witness preparation and guidance to support them through the process of giving oral evidence. Michelle has a strong understanding of the potential vulnerabilities faced by witnesses in these proceedings and the support required, particularly where inquests involve robust and challenging questioning by other interested persons.
She assists organisations in identifying and implementing appropriate actions and lessons learned following a death in custody. Michelle’s practice dovetails seamlessly with her civil and administrative work, as she regularly acts for clients in associated human rights, civil and public law claims, including civil litigation and Judicial Review proceedings arising from the conclusion of inquests. This holistic approach ensures continuity across proceedings, enabling a consistent strategy and effective case management throughout.
Michelle has advised on numerous high profile custodial deaths, addressing complex and sensitive issues such as the adequacy of suicide and self harm prevention policies, assessment and management of risk, and cases involving the manslaughter of a cellmate. She also defends employers and public authorities in a wide range of employers’ and public liability claims across the prison estate, including allegations of assault, false imprisonment, misfeasance in public office, breaches of human rights, and negligence.
Having acted for the same clients over many years, Michelle has developed in depth knowledge of the operational and practical realities of custodial establishments and the unique environments in which they operate. This continuity has also enabled her to establish strong and trusted working relationships with coronial jurisdictions, supporting both the organisations she represents and the Coroners investigating deaths in custody.
Michelle is consistently ranked in leading legal publications and described:
“Michelle Flint knows prisons inside and out and gets great results because of her industry knowledge.”
