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 continued his mediation practice until retiring from that in 2024.  Michael is a member of the Law Society’s Crime Panel.

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 later years, Michael has concentrated on undertaking family cases both privately funded (and until September 2023 legally aided cases) in respect of Private Law Children disputes (“mum and dad disputes”, as well as acting on behalf of grandparents).

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 either jointly or individually 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 also acts solely and jointly as a Deputy appointed by the Court of Protection and as an Attorney 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 was previously an Accredited and Recognised Family Mediator.  He is also collaboratively trained with Resolution.

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

Between 1987 and 1991 Michael was a District Councillor on Salisbury District Council.  In his role as a Councillor, he was a Member of the Cabinet, Chairman of The Direct Works Board as well as being a Vice Chairman and Chairman of sub-Committees.

Michael was Chairman of the TH Russell Charitable Trust for 18 years which ran the old St. Ives Residential Care Home.

Out of office hours, Michael can be found busying himself at home with his flock of Valais Blacknose and Jacob Sheep, chickens and bees. Michael also enjoys horse riding which he has done for many years and he also can be periodically seen riding his Harley -Davidson Fat Boy Black motorcycle!  Michael has three children and six grandchildren.