Simon Michael

Simon Michael is a British novelist and former criminal barrister (trial attorney) and the author of two legal thriller series drawn from four decades in and around the courts.

Set in 1960s and ’70s London, The Charles Holborne series follows the career of Charles Holborne, born Charlie Horowitz, as he navigates justice, power, and moral consequence during a period of profound social change. Drawing on real legal experience and historical events, the series explores what happens when institutions are under pressure and finding the truth comes at a human cost. Imagine Better Call Saul in Michael Caine’s London.

Launching in 2027, The Washashore Lawyer series takes aristocratic British lawyer, James de Vries, and drops him into the unfamiliar world of Cape Cod. A “washashore” is the local term for a newcomer—an outsider—and de Vries discovers a place of stark contrasts: billionaire summer visitors in their waterfront mansions, yachts and private beaches; and struggling fishermen, oystermen and artists enduring bitter drug-fueled winters.

Simon studied Law at King’s College, London University before being called to the Bar by the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple in 1978. For more than two decades, he worked primarily in criminal law, prosecuting and defending murderers, armed robbers, rapists and every other variety of villainy. After retiring from the Bar, Simon returned to a literary career that began in the 1980s with novels published both in the UK and the US. Born and raised in London and now living in Cheshire, he continues to write, speak, and engage with readers across the UK.