Education

Michael was educated at Kings College, Taunton. He gained his Law Degree from University College, Cardiff in 1978 and after attending Guildford Law School, he entered into Articles at Stanley Wasborough (now Veale Wasborough) in Bristol qualifying on 1st December 1981. 

Michael completed his training as a Family Mediator with Resolution in November of 1998 and became a Resolution All Issues Mediator in 1999. Michael trained as a Child Inclusive Mediator with Lisa Parkinson in 2008. Michael is a member of the Law Society’s Family and Advanced Family Panels, the Crime Panel and the Mediation Panel (the result of which he is an Accredited Mediator).

Experience

After qualifying, Michael worked in Basingstoke for a branch firm undertaking matrimonial and criminal work. In August 1983, Michael joined Letcher & Son, becoming the firm’s Litigation Partner in October 1984. At that time, Michael was responsible for all forms of litigation undertaken by that firm, including not just family and criminal cases but also civil litigation disputes. On the retirement of Michael Wingate-Saul in 2005, Michael became Senior Partner of Letchers Solicitors. 

In latter years, Michael has concentrated on undertaking family cases both privately funded and Legally Aided in respect of Private Law Children disputes (“mum and dad disputes”, as well as acting on behalf of grandparents) and care proceedings. 

Michael also has continued his experience in dealing with criminal cases and in particular both privately funded and Legally Aided cases as an Advocate in the Magistrates’ Court,and representing clients in Police Stations. Michael has since 1994 been Letchers Solicitors Quality Representative with the Legal Aid Agency (formerly the Legal Services Commission). 

In his position as Senior Partner, Michael is named as an Executor in Wills of many clients and liaises directly with the Head of the Private Client Department concerning the administration of estates, he is also solely and jointly a Deputy appointed by the Court of Protection to assist in connection with the administration of clients’ affairs. 

Michael continues to show an interest in all areas of work within Letchers Solicitors and is also the Senior Reporting Officer in respect of the firm’s Quality Conveyancing Accreditation with the Law Society.

Role

Michael is an Accredited and Recognised Family Mediator as well as being an Accredited Commercial Mediator. He is also collaboratively trained as well as being a member of the Law Society’s Family and Advanced Family Panels. 

He is Letchers Solicitors’ Complaints Partner as well as being the firm’s Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration.

Outside Interests

Michael was a District Councillor on Salisbury District Council and was for 18 years Chairman of the T H Russell Charitable Trust which ran St Ives House Residential Care Home in Ashley Heath, Ringwood. 

Michael has continued his family connection with the Coachmaker and Coach Harness Makers Livery Company, of which he is a Liveryman and Freeman. 

Out of office hours, Michael can be found busying himself at home with his flock of Jacobs Sheep, chickens or his bees. Michael also enjoys riding which he has done for many years, though his horse is now somewhat aged. Michael has three children and five grandchildren.