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Michael Herford

Partner

Michael Herford

Partner

Criminal Defence, Serious Fraud, Cybercrime

Michael Herford is a partner at Duan & Duan UK LLP specialising in criminal defence, with particular expertise in serious and complex fraud, cybercrime, and organised crime. He founded the criminal defence department at Jackson Lyon LLP, which became Duan & Duan in 2024, and is the founder and Managing Director of Legal Lifelines, a pioneering criminal law practice focused on community empowerment and access to justice.

Recognition

Michael has been consistently recognised by the Legal 500 as a leading criminal defence practitioner, during his time at previous firms:

  • "A street fighter disguised as an amiable and affable gent" - Legal 500, 2023
  • "Recommended lawyer" - Legal 500, 2022
  • "A stand out practitioner" and "the name to note for fraud cases" - Legal 500, 2021
  • "A truly excellent solicitor: charismatic, energetic and engaging" - Legal 500, 2020

He was a finalist in the UK Diversity Legal Awards 2021.

Criminal Defence

Michael represents clients facing the most serious and complex criminal allegations, often involving multiple defendants and matters reported in the national press. His practice encompasses serious and complex fraud, including multi-million pound conspiracies and cases arising from encrypted communications platforms; cybercrime, including malware, hacking, and DDOS offences; organised crime, including county lines and modern slavery cases; and regulatory investigations and business crime.

His meticulous case preparation and strategic selection of specialist counsel have resulted in the majority of investigations he defends being discontinued before charge.

Legal Lifelines

Michael founded Legal Lifelines to address inequality in the criminal justice system, with a particular focus on serving Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. The firm developed an innovative Stop & Search App using military-grade encryption to help individuals record and report stop and search encounters.

In the Press

Qualifications

Admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales, 2013 (SRA no. 437887)