OUR PEOPLE

Michael English

MICHAEL ENGLISH
Commercial litigation, Immigration

Specialist Experience

  • Applications to the Home Office under the Points-Based System and otherwise
  • Entrepreneurs; investors; students; post-study workers
  • Sole representatives; business visitors
  • Sponsor licences
  • More unusual and complex applications (e.g. indefinite leave to remain by virtue of ‘long residence’) outside the Immigration Rules
  • Human rights cases; family reunion; dependent relatives
  • Appeals; conducting oral as well as paper appeals against immigration decisions by the Home Office; in-country and out-of-country appeals
  • Applications to the High Court and Court of Appeal
  • Nationality; right of abode; citizenship issues
  • EEA nationals.
  • Alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
  • Business and personal disputes
  • Settlement negotiation and agreements

What they say about Michael

“I was recommended Mr Michael English for my immigration matter and now I highly recommend him. He was the best solicitor I ever used. He took great care of me and my Long Residence application. I had used other lawyers for my applications and appeals, but they were always refused by the Home Office. I had no hope left, but he studied my file better than I knew it. Seeing how dedicated he was I was filled with hope and joy, even before we finally won the case. Thank you so much.” Francoise A., London

Michael was recommended to me. With his valuable advice, he helped me to get my British Citizenship. I would highly recommend him and the firm.” A. Gugunova, Senior Analyst, Alaco Ltd.

Thank you so much for all your support, you’ve done an amazing job. My life is now totally different and delightful!” (successful post-study worker appeal before First-Tier Tribunal) L. Limareva, Commercial Manager, Russo-British Chamber of Commerce

We instructed Michael English on a commercial dispute from the earlier sale of one of my businesses. Michael resolved the matter very effectively for us, while at the same time maintaining a relationship between us and the other party. Michael was extremely professional, and pleasant to work with. He is our now our first choice lawyer for any legal or commercial problem. I would absolutely recommend him (and already have) to anyone else needing legal help for their business or personal matters.” H. Ali, London

I asked Michael to advise and assist me with my 10-year Long Residence application for Indefinite Leave to Remain. He provided a very professional service. He provided valuable advice and checked all my documents thoroughly before writing to the Home Office, all ensuring a successful application and avoiding delays. I would choose Virtual Law and Michael again, and would recommend them.” A. Castillo, London

Michael was recommended to me. I consulted with him about Tier 1 investor/entrepreneur possibilities. He provided very clear and helpful advice. A very professional service.” D. Ivanov, London

I completely recommend Mr. Michael English, Solicitor. He kept our family together in the UK, when it would have been split up across two countries. He fought hard for us for many months against the Home Secretary’s decision until he won our complicated case (concerning a young child’s dependency on her grandmother). Other lawyers had turned it down, saying we had no chance. He showed great patience, and attention to all the details of our case. He is very professional and of the highest integrity. He handled it excellently, with sensitivity, skill and determination. We are really happy, and deeply appreciate all the hard work done.” Mrs. A., Surrey

Michael English worked for me to a very high standard. He is very diligent and shows great commitment. He did a wonderful job and got a successful decision. It changed my life. I confidently recommend him to anyone. Thank you sooooo much!” (14-year application for ILR) A. Gamboa Rodriguez, London

An excellent lawyer. He takes very good care of people and gives them excellent advice. All those who I know have used him have nothing but praise for him… very hard-working… nothing too hard for him to do for his clients… always wants to provide the best service for his clients. I whole-heartedly recommend Michael English.” Rev. Dr William Wood, Wood World Missions

Experience

Michael is Lead Consultant for Virtual Law’s Immigration practice. He also undertakes Commercial Litigation and other dispute resolution matters. He advises clients from all backgrounds and nationalities on a wide variety of legal, personal and business matters in the UK and abroad.

Michael is a member of the Immigration Law Practitioner’s Association.  He is also a member of Amnesty International and various migrants’ rights organisations and works pro bono at a leading justice and rights charity in London, teaching Citizenship classes to migrants and providing advocacy support.

Admitted as:

  • Solicitor of England and Wales 1991

Qualifications:

  • College of Law, Guildford 1988
  • Leeds University, LLB Hons 1987

Career history:

  • Simmons & Simmons
  • Clyde & Co