Michael Balmer
Partner
- Phone:
- +44 (0)161 233 1285
- Email:
- michael.balmer@weightmans.com
- Office:
- Manchester
Michael is a partner, specialising in financial and business crime.
He has represented individuals and corporate bodies subject to investigation and prosecution by organisations including the Serious Fraud Office, HMRC, NCA and CPS and has defended in some of the biggest and high-profile fraud cases prosecuted in this country.
He is regularly called to assist clients facing offences such as (conspiracy to commit) fraud, fraudulent trading, money laundering, bribery and corruption and other regulatory offences, as well as advising clients and providing training on anti-money laundering and anti-bribery legislation.
His expertise extends into civil proceedings such as Account Freezing Orders, restraint and confiscation proceedings as well as director disqualification proceedings. He represents those individuals and businesses being investigated by regulatory bodies such as the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) for data breaches and data misuse.
During his time as an experienced Magistrates' Court advocate, Michael has also developed expertise in liquor licensing, as well as a wide range of local authority prosecutions and defending motoring prosecutions for individuals and corporate bodies.
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Michael has a large amount of experience and a flair for detail. He is a superb lawyer.
Chambers and Partners, 2027 -
Michael is a pleasure to work with. He is really committed to his clients. He does really good work. I love working with him
Chambers and Partners, 2027 -
Michael is a an expert at dealing with complex financial crime. He is great with clients and has an analytical approach to the law
Chambers and Partners, 2027 -
Michael is a really good practitioner. He fights very hard for his clients and is super bright.
Chambers and Partners, 2027 -
This firm continues to expand and has established itself as a major 'white collar' fraud presence in the sector and is recognized as the go-to firm for cybernet fraud and intent-based prosecutions and investigations. They have a super support staff led by the 'towering' presence of Michael Balmer, who is an in-demand, highly experienced financial crime solicitor. He recently completed a successful defense of a private prosecution of care homes, presenting 5 out of 6 defendants, all of whom were acquitted and were awarded costs after a 4-5 year investigation. Top outfit!
Legal 500, 2027 -
Michael Balmer stands out as a criminal lawyer.Michael Balmer demonstrates preparation, commitment, dedication.
Legal 500, 2027 -
Michael Balmer is the standout fraud and financial crime specialist at Weightmans. He has significant experience gained in fraud specialist firms and is proactive and tactically astute. He is a very calming presence and has exceptional client care skills. L
Legal 500, 2027 -
Michael Balmer is an excellent lawyer - great grasp on law, procedure, excellent client skills. Great communicator. Leading solicitor in the Northwest for fraud and regulatory matters.
Legal 500, 2026 -
Michael Balmer is a superb criminal fraud lawyer with a personal touch and good pastoral skills, which make them easily accessible to all. Michael is a commanding presence, is good on his feet as an advocate on his own in legal argument. Both as an advocate and as an instructing solicitor he has particular mastery of cyber fraud and a large client base referencing his expertise and standing.
Legal 500, 2026 -
Michael Balmer is a fraud specialist through and through. His early career was spent at a specialist fraud firm and he built a superb reputation from very early in his career. He is a master of his specialist area and he instils confidence and trust. His clients are invariably high net worth business leaders.
Legal 500, 2026 -
Michael Balmer has been an exceptional partner to work with as a client, he has gone above and beyond in the cases he has worked on for us and the support and knowledge is outstanding.
Legal 500 2025 -
Mike Balmer is an exceptional solicitor - great knowledge of the law, good with clients, tactically very astute. Impressive individual in this field.
Legal 500 2025 -
Michael Balmer is a fantastic criminal lawyer with particular expertise in fraud and cyber-related matters. He is approachable and diligent and as such quickly puts clients at ease.
Legal 500 2025 -
Michael Balmer and James Farrell both are exceptional lawyers. They are excellent for criminal work and, in particular, heavy weight fraud. Both combine an excellent knowledge of the law with robust, clear and uncomplicated tactical advice. They are extremely hard working and often work well as part of a team to achieve the best outcome for their clients.
Legal 500 2025 -
Mike Balmer is an excellent, hard working, thorough and client-focused solicitor who is great to work with.
Legal 500 2022 -
Michael Balmer is incredibly personable with his clients and works very hard to try and make them feel very supported.
Legal 500 2022
