Michael Kennedy, Director & Barrister
Michael is an experienced barrister who is recognised nationally as a high-profile specialist in the areas of Mental Capacity and Mental Health Law. He is also a director of Switalskis and is based at our Leeds Office.
Tel: 0113 223 1400
Department:
Mental Health Law & Court of Protection
Address:
28 Park Place, Leeds, LS1 2SP
Email Address:
michael.kennedy@switalskis.com
Michael is a highly-experienced specialist in Mental Health Law and regularly receives referrals from both legal and healthcare professionals across the region. He is ranked ‘Band 1’ in the Chambers & Partners guide for legal professionals.
He has served on a number of industry panels and committees and was previously a Senior Associate Lecturer at Leeds Metropolitan University on courses for Mental Health practitioners.
Michael is a highly-experienced specialist in Mental Health Law and regularly receives referrals from both legal and healthcare professionals across the region. He is ranked ‘Band 1’ in the Chambers & Partners guide for legal professionals.
He has served on a number of industry panels and committees and was previously a Senior Associate Lecturer at Leeds Metropolitan University on courses for Mental Health practitioners.
Michael initially worked as a legal researcher, which is where he first developed a professional interest in Mental Health issues. In his published research he explored the links between Mental Health and issues such as criminal activity and homelessness.
Michael qualified as a barrister in 1991 and joined Switalskis in 1999, becoming a partner in 2008 (and later a director).
More about Michael
Q: What do you love about your job? Q: What can clients expect from you? Q: Why did you choose to specialist in mental health and mental capacity law? Q: Which of your achievements are you most proud of? Q: What are you interests outside of work?
A: Meeting with my clients, my team and the professionals that I come across day-to-day.
A: Practical, to-the-point, advice and representation. I care about each client’s individual situation and I am committed to helping them achieve their goals.
A: I started in criminal law and worked on some cases where my client suffered from a mental disorder and where their respective cases were disposed of by way of a Mental Health Act disposal. I became very interested in the Mental Health Act as a result. I went on to spend time, in an academic capacity, in the Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry at the University of London and that cemented my interest.
A: Winning the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Award in the category of Mental Health Lawyer. Being called to the Bar. Being Listed in both Chambers and the Legal 500. And passing maths 16+ at the second attempt!
A: Cycling, triathlon and a bit of fell running. I love the Dales and the northern Pennines. I also support Bradford City and have an active interest in photography.