Testimonials

Thank you Michael for providing service that was uncalled for and unexpected. It can be tough to deal with bureaucracy especially in emotionally charged circumstances; you have certainly eased the pressure. Michael’s action has certainly raised my opinion of the legal and justice systems. Thank you!!

“Michael you have ethics, credibility & our increasingly “user pays” legal system needs you. Your attitude when you were working on the roster for mental health lawyers was outstanding, you went beyond “the call of duty” always showed empathy without being patronising & most importantly followed up & kept people in the loop.”

“I thought I was pretty much stuffed, when I was charged. Having similar priors, and working under a ‘guilty until proved innocent’ mantle, my expectations in engaging Michael to represent me were simply to seek the best possible result in a hopeless situation. Michael engaged with me, sought my input. I gave him everything I had, and he picked and chose the choicest morsels amongst the chaff.

Over more than a year, Michael fought each little point on my behalf: he broke the prosecution case down into its fundamental elements. Arguing each point in turn, Michael managed to reduce the prosecution case, first, to a realistic situation, and then to a weak situation. When we came to trial, Michael skilfully demonstrated the inconsistencies between the witness’s statements – caught them out making things look worse than they really were. Michael helped the jury to understand that the witnesses were not presenting a cohesive case.

The jury deliberated and returned a ‘not guilty’ verdict. My resignation in being found ‘guilty due to prior history’ was unfounded. Michael managed to see justice done to my satisfaction, and I have no hesitation in recommending Michael’s representation to anyone who feels that they are hemmed into a hopeless situation.

“I sought legal advice from Michael Bott in 2013. I found him to be very professional and educated in his areas of law. I would highly recommend him to anybody facing legal issues as he was great to work with and got me a very good result.”

“Our family was referred to Michael Bott by the late John Haigh QC, who described Michael as the best person to handle our son’s parole. Michael was at all times supportive and sympathetic to our family’s situation and won parole at the first attempt. We will always be grateful for his interest and friendship, and especially his skill. Without reservation we recommend Michael to anyone in a position such as ours.”

I engaged Michael as my counsel to defend charges that were laid under military law and so were somewhat unique…indeed the allegations were not offences under normal civil or criminal law.  I also knew that the military judicial system and processes would be a significant challenge, not only because of the resources that would be applied but also the degree of arrogance (‘might is right’) and the politics involved.

This is where Michael stood out: when I first met him I briefly summarised the situation – he listened intently, he recognised the motivation (and fabrications) of my ‘accuser’, he understood but relished the enormity of defending against the Crown, and above all in agreeing to be part of my team he said ‘I believe you’.

His confidence, passion, focus and belief never faltered in what became a drawn out process of military investigations and trial, and continued throughout the subsequent appeal to the non-military Court Martial Appeal Court (CMAC).   Michael’s belief in my case, continuous engagement and consultation with Steve Taylor and me, gritty and analytical approach, and recognition of the injustices of the military processes meant his advocacy was genuine and his resolve was undeterred.  How would I measure his determination, skill and effectiveness…simple, by the results: all charges were quashed and the Crowns application for a re-trial was similarly not upheld by the CMAC.

My battle lasted for nigh on two years, it was a period of hell and humiliation but I do take comfort and some satisfaction in that the outcome was the best that I could hope for and was undeniably achieved through the support, professionalism and excellence that is Michael (and Steve).

I unconditionally recommend Michael to those in need of quality legal support. –

“Hi Michael,
Just wanted to say a very heartfelt thank you for all your hard work in my trial, it was your great preparation and very successful cross examination that showed that the prosecution attorney and police had nothing to stand on. Your closing statement was also very excellent and in my mind ensured the Jury had no choice but to find me Not Guilty.
You showed how much of a knowledgeable and outstanding lawyer you are in your whole approach to my case, at times I felt unsure on what the outcome would be but you continually reassured me and we ended up with the best possible result of Not Guilty on all 10 charges.
Now that this is behind me I can move on with my life with my children, I will always be grateful for your support and belief in my case.
Any building work you need just call.
Thank you from me and my family
Cheers
CG”

It has been an absolute pleasure to be represented by a lawyer of the utmost integrity, both professional and personal. He truly espoused the highest standards of professionalism. Throughout the hearing he ensured the focus was maintained on the specific allegations while being acutely conscious of an un-spoken agenda. Thank you Michael for your commitment to truth and justice.S.L.