Michael Gallen

Partner

With almost 25 years in private practice Michael has developed an extensive experience in litigation with a particular emphasis on criminal defence and proceeds of crime.

Over this period, he has built a reputation dealing with complex and high profile cases involving the successful defence of a wide spectrum of clients including professionals and those in the media spotlight.

Having served on the Glasgow Bar Association executive committee for almost a decade Michael was elected as President in 2022. The Association represents and protects the rights and interests of its 400 members in the practice of law across the west of Scotland. Michael has also been elected to the committee of the Scottish Solicitors Bar Association which advocates for lawyers Scotland wide.

In recognition of the high standards of professionalism for which Michael is widely known he is appointed by the Scottish Legal Aid Board to undertake the trusted role of reviewing the performance of criminal defence solicitors across the country.

In February 2024 Michael was appointed by the Lord Justice General to the Criminal Courts Rules Council.  The Council which is chaired by the Lord Justice Clerk keeps under general review the procedures and practices of the courts exercising criminal jurisdiction in Scotland and considers any draft Act of Adjournal submitted to it by the High Court.

Michael was appointed as a curator ad litem by the Mental Health Tribunal For Scotland at the inception of the role. He often appears at hearings representing patients and their nearest relatives. As an acknowledgment of this experience, Michael was invited to sit on the Law Society of Scotland’s Mental Health and Disability Committee.

Michael holds the position of legal advisor to the Scottish Child Law Centre offering advice and assistance on a broad range of legal issues predominantly relating to children and their families.

In his spare time Michael volunteers at a community football club and sports hub providing sporting opportunities for children from all backgrounds in the south side of Glasgow. He has been instrumental in the club recently being awarded an SFA Quality Mark.

Contact mjg@flemingandreid.co.uk.