Born 8th May 1956, Michael was educated in Bolton, Lancashire (at Thornleigh College) before winning a Scholarship to Lincoln College, Oxford to read law. Between School and University Michael joined the British Schools Exploration Society's expedition to Arctic Norway/Sweden, as part of a team revisiting a retreating glacier to survey changes in its condition. While studying law at Oxford Michael took up rowing and in his third year became Captain of Lincoln College Boat Club. During his time the Lincoln College 1st VIII rose from 13th to 7th on the lsis.
In 1975 Michael was selected for a Young Explorer's Trust expedition to Persia visiting a remote valley in the Zagros mountains not far from Hamadan. The social and physical geography of the valley was documented.
In 1976 Michael joined Gray's Inn and after completing Bar Finals took up a training contact with Ernst & Young in London (AYMM)), where he remained until 1983 before taking up practice at the Tax Bar.
His interests include motor racing (which he took up in 2000, racing Caterham 7s), Bridge and croquet.