Practice Areas
- Court of Protection - Vulnerable Adult
- International Children Law
- Private Children Law
- Public Children Law
Dispute Resolution
Awards
‘Michael is a giant in his field. His cross-examination skills are unparalleled. He is a true expert.’
Legal 500, 2025
‘A brilliant advocate with an encyclopaedic knowledge of international children law.’
Chambers and Partners, 2025
Experience
Year of Call: 2007
Year of Silk: 2022
Education
Bar Vocational Course, Inns of Court School of Law 2006-2007
LLB (Hons) Brunel University, 2005
Profile
Michael has a particular specialism in the international movement of children, which he focuses upon in the context of all of the areas of family law in which he practices (specific details of which are set out below). He also acts in private and public law children cases involving serious issues including allegations of domestic and sexual abuse, and allegations of alienating behaviours.
International Children Law
Michael specialises in cases involving the international movement of children, appearing regularly in the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court in cases involving (but not limited to) Hague and non-Hague abduction, jurisdictional disputes, the recognition and enforcement of orders (pursuant to Brussels II revised and the 1996 Hague Convention), relocation (both internal and external) and public law cases with international or other jurisdictional issues.
Michael has appeared in most of the leading cases in this field. He has represented parties (including parents, children and non-Governmental organisations) in the Court of Appeal and the UK Supreme Court in cases involving a diverse range of issues from the human rights implications of government immigration policy (R (on the application of Quila and another) and R (on the application of Bibi and another v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2011] UKSC 45) to jurisdictional issues concerning children and the application of the 1980 Hague Convention (In the matter of A (Children) (AP) [2013] UKSC 60, In the Matter of KL (A Child) [2013] UKSC 75, In the matter of LC (Children) [2014] UKSC 1 and Re K (A Child) [2014] UKSC 29, In the matter of C (Children) [2018] UKSC 8, Re NY (A Child) [2019] UKSC 49 and G v G [2021] UKSC 9).
In addition to his domestic practice, Michael has appeared before the European Court of Human Rights and the Court of Justice of the European Union. His cases before those courts include:
Ferrari v Romania (Application No. 1714/10), in which Michael appeared on behalf of the applicant, successfully arguing that in failing to enforce an order made pursuant to the 1980 Hague Convention the Romanian authorities had breached the father’s Article 8 rights.
X v. LATVIA (Application no. 27853/09), where Michael was one of a team instructed by the reunite International Child Abduction Centre to intervene in the proceedings.
E-v-B; Case C-436/13, in which Michael represented the father in the leading case on prorogation of jurisdiction pursuant to Brussels IIa UD v XB; Case C-393/18 PPU, in which Michael represented the UK Government on a referral to the CJEU regarding whether a child could be habitually resident in a country in which they had never been physically present.
He has also been part of a team representing an intervening party before the United States Supreme Court (Lozano v Alvarez – appeal judgment at 697 F.3d 41 (2d Cir. 2012)).
Private Children Law
Michael acts for parents and children in all cases that fall within the broad heading of ‘private children law’. He has particular experience in jurisdictional issues that arise following the international movement of children and in cases where it is proposed that a child should relocate abroad. He represents parties in cases involving serious allegations of domestic abuse, including alienating behaviours.
Public Children Law
Michael specialises in public law cases involving the movement of children across borders. In recent years, that has included the consequences for children of illegal entry into the United Kingdom (A & Ors (Case Proceedings: 1996 Hague Convention: Habitual Residence) [2024] EWFC 110 and A & Ors (Care Proceedings: Inherent Jurisdiction: Order for Return to Austria), Re [2024] EWFC 178) and the removal of a child abroad at a time when care proceedings were contemplated following a finding that the father had caused the death of a child (D, Re (Wardship: Jurisdiction: Cutting Across Statutory Schemes) (Rev1) [2024] EWHC 1658 (Fam)). He also advises upon and acts in cases involving international adoption and the jurisdictional and practical arrangements involved in the transfer of children abroad in a public law context (see, for example, E v The Child and Family Agency of Ireland & Ors [2024] EWHC 1778 (Fam)).
Court of Protection
Michael acts for parents and children in cases involving serious medical issues both under the inherent jurisdiction and in the Court of Protection (e.g. A Hospital Trust v P & Ors [2024] EWHC 313 (Fam), Raqeeb (by her litigation friend) v Barts Health NHS Trust [2020] 1 FLR 1376, Re D (A Child) (Residence Order: Deprivation of Liberty) [2019] UKSC 42).
Due to his extensive experience of international family law, he has a particular interest in cases where the patient has travelled abroad (or it is proposed that they should travel abroad) for the purposes of medical treatment.
Non-court dispute resolution
Michael is frequently instructed to advise parties in relation to contemplated or ongoing mediation, and has experience of representing parents within mediation where they wish to have counsel present within or on the fringes of discussions.
Michael is also instructed to attend discussions outside of formal mediation (for example round table meetings) in order to assist them in securing the best possible agreement in the particular context of their case.
Publications / Training
Michael is a contributing author to Rayden and Jackson on Relationship Breakdown, Finances and Children
Together with Mr Justice Williams, Henry Setright KC and Maria Wright he wrote International Issues in Family Law: The 1996 Hague Convention and Brussels II Revised (25 Sept 2015)
He writes the chapter on International Child Abduction for International Family Law Practice
Michael also frequently writes articles for prominent journals, and edits and writes for The International Family Law Blog
Professional Memberships
IAFL
ALC
Directories
“A brilliant advocate with an encyclopaedic knowledge of international children law.”
“He is incredibly intelligent as a barrister. I cannot commend his brain enough. He thinks of really interesting and original legal points that most people might not.”
“A delight to deal with on challenging children act matters. His written and oral advocacy is exceptional.”
Chambers and Partners, 2025
‘Michael is a giant in his field. His cross-examination skills are unparalleled. He is a true expert.’
Legal 500, 2025
Michael is an exceptional barrister who marries natural talent with industry. He is highly respected by the judiciary as he knows his subject inside out. He is able to guide the court on the law. He is also extremely persuasive in the manner that he presents his cases. He very often makes the outcome that he is seeking appear to be the attractive, logical outcome.’
Legal 500, 2024
“He blew me away with how effortlessly calm and confident he was; he presented beautifully.”
“Michael is really smart. He doesn’t let setbacks get to him and he is lightning-quick on his feet.”
“Michael is the sort of barrister everyone looks up to – knows his subject area inside out, is able to effectively advise and has brilliant judgement.”
Chambers and Partners, 2024
“Michael Gration provides an exceptional level of knowledge, commitment and expertise.”
“He’s a brilliant and sophisticated advocate who has no trouble charming the court. Technically excellent, he’s extremely knowledgeable on case law and he excels in highly complex international children work.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023
‘Michael is a brilliant advocate who uses his vast knowledge of the law to great effect – he is meticulous and empathetic.’
Legal 500, 2023
Family junior establishing a strong children practice with a focus on complex cases involving the cross-border movement of children. He is experienced in Hague Convention matters, including international abductions and the summary return of children. He is also proficient in jurisdictional disputes and the recognition of foreign orders.
Strengths: “His knowledge of complex international children law is exemplary. He is incredibly persuasive with judges and is deservedly well respected by them.” “Michael is one of the most respected barristers of his call. He gives well-reasoned and realistic advice based upon his considerable experience and knowledge in international children’s law. His written work is always precise, well reasoned and persuasive, and his advocacy is second to none.”
Chambers & Partners, 2022
Band 1
‘A junior with remarkable gravitas, who is a calming presence for the client and the court.’
Top Tier
Legal 500, 2022
Top Tier
Family junior establishing a strong children practice with a focus on complex cases involving the cross-border movement of children. He is experienced in Hague Convention matters, including international abductions and the summary return of children. He is also proficient in jurisdictional disputes and the recognition of foreign orders.
Strengths: “One of the leading lights in international children’s law.” “His advocacy and cross-examination achieve fantastic results.” “Terrifyingly knowledgeable and can be relied upon in the most complex of cases because of his dazzling intellect.”
Recent work: Represented a four-year-old child who had sustained severe and incurable brain damage. The NHS trust appealed to the court to determine that the removal of artificial ventilation was lawful. The child’s parents wanted permission to take her to Italy for further treatment.
Chambers & Partners, 2021
Band 1
‘Has a formidable intellect and is one of the leading barristers in his field. He consistently delivers a strong performance and is respected by judges and opponents.’
Legal 500, 2021
Top Tier
Family junior establishing a strong children practice with a focus on complex cases involving the cross-border movement of children. He is experienced in Hague Convention matters, including international abductions and the summary return of children. He is also proficient in jurisdictional disputes and the recognition of foreign orders.
Strengths: “A walking encyclopaedia of law and brilliant technically. He has this gravitas about him that clients really like and he can hold his own with anybody. His position papers are always really excellent and well drafted.” “He is thoughtful and thorough and has an excellent knowledge of the law.”
Recent work: Acted for a child who had been abducted from Spain to England by his mother.
Chambers & Partners 2020
Band 1
‘Is an extremely able advocate who is able to win cases with his authoritative and persuasive advocacy ’
Legal 500, 2020
Top Tier
Family junior establishing a strong children practice with a focus on complex cases involving the international movement of children. He is experienced in Hague Convention matters, including international abductions and the summary return of children. He is also proficient in jurisdictional disputes and the recognition of foreign orders.
Strengths: “He is already established as a leading junior for international children work despite his relatively junior level of call. His client care is impeccable and he has a very appealing style of advocacy. If he’s on the other side, you have to up your game, even if you feel that your case is watertight.”
Recent work: Defended a mother who had removed her child to Australia against Hague Convention proceedings from the child’s father, who sought its return. Gration successfully argued that she had lost her habitual residence in Australia, resulting in the claim’s dismissal.
Chambers & Partners 2019
Band 1
‘A match for any silk.’
Legal 500, 2019
Top Tier
Family junior fast developing a strong children practice with a focus on complex cases involving the international movement of children. He has appeared before the Supreme Court and the ECHR despite his relatively junior level of call. His experience includes the Hague Convention, jurisdictional disputes and the recognition of foreign orders.
Strengths: “He’s just your perfect barrister really. He’s really easy to work with, great with clients and adored by judges. His written and oral advocacy is exceptional and you would be quite comfortable with him going up against most silks without a leader.”
Recent work: Appeared in the Supreme Court on behalf of the successful appellant children in re N (Children) (Adoption: Jurisdiction). Gration argued that the English courts had previously considered the welfare of children too narrowly with regard to Article 15 of Brussels II revised.
Chambers & Partners 2018
Band 1
‘Clever and modest.’
Legal 500, 2017
Family junior fast developing a strong children practice with a focus on complex abduction cases. He has appeared before the Supreme Court and the ECHR despite his relatively junior level of call.
Strengths: “Unflappable and brilliant with clients and judges alike, he has knowledge, subtlety and a highly persuasive style of advocacy. Truly an expert within a highly specialised field, he knows how to pitch a case in a way that is far above his year of call.”
Recent work: Represented an appellant father who had sought the summary return of his child to Morocco.
Chambers & Partners 2017
Band 1
‘His written work is outstanding and his oral advocacy skills appear effortless; an undoubted silk in the making.’
Legal 500, 2016
Sources are quick to point out his “encyclopaedic knowledge” and sharp legal mind. He specialises in international children matters and is “undoubtedly a junior of choice for cross-border work.”
Strengths: “He is a very, very talented junior. He’s like a computer as he remembers absolutely everything. Judges love him because he’s a very, very good advocate and he knows the law inside out.”
Chambers & Partners 2016
A rising presence among juniors at the Family Bar who handles complex international children law cases, including those concerning abductions, relocations and forced marriages in Hague and non-Hague jurisdictions.
Expertise: “He is a towering presence, both literally and figuratively, who is very strong on jurisidictional points and has a very good client manner.”
Chambers & Partners 2015
Continues to go from strength to strength in the children law arena and is being increasingly sought after to handle cases concerning international abduction, international and domestic relocation, and forced marriage.
Expertise: “He has a quality of practice that is well beyond his call. He is loved by judges, is a delightful opponent and is forensically really mature.”
Recent work: Acted for the biological mother in connection with a case concerning two children conceived by insemination by an anonymous donor during the parties’ lesbian relationship. During the course of the proceedings that followed, the shared residence order previously granted to the non-biological mother had been discharged. The mother appealed, and the order was overturned.
Chambers & Partners 2014
Michael Gration has an increasing profile in the children law arena, handling international cases including Hague and non-Hague abduction and complex forced marriage cases. Sources suggest that he is “a star in the making.”
Chambers & Partners 2013