JUNIOR PROFILE

Michelle Caney

UK Bar 2026

St Philips Chambers

Ranked in 3 practice areas

Real Estate Litigation

Midlands (Bar)

12 years ranked

Social Housing

Midlands (Bar)

13 years ranked

Chancery

Midlands (Bar)

2 years ranked

About

Provided by St Philips Chambers

Practice Areas

Michelle Caney is an accomplished business and property barrister who can be trusted with cases of the utmost complexity. Her practice encompasses real estate and chancery litigation (including boundaries, easements, options, overage, restrictive covenants and trusts of land), landlord and tenant (including business leases, break clauses, dilapidations, forfeiture and service charges) and professional negligence claims involving property. Michelle is adept at handling cases involving fraud and forgeries. In the social housing sphere, she is singled out for her expertise in disability discrimination, mental capacity, public law and human rights. Michelle is particularly well known for her work in the fast paced world of protest injunctions and has been involved in a number of the leading cases involving Persons Unknown.

Career

Year of Call: 2004.

St Ives Chambers (2005-2023). Head of Business and Property Group.

St Philips Chambers (2023-present). Head of Real Estate Team.

Notable cases: Wolverhampton City Council v London Gypsies and Travellers [2023] UKSC 47 - Landmark Supreme Court appeal concerning the Court’s jurisdiction to grant injunctions against Persons Unknown; Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council v Mailley [2023] EWCA Civ 1246 - Novel incompatibility challenge to the succession legislation; The University of Birmingham v Persons Unknown [2024] EWHC 544 - High profile possession claim arising out of Gaza protest encampments; Scalora v Clarion Housing Association Limited [2024] EWHC 1414 - £1.1m unlawful eviction claim involving allegations of cyber fraud.

Professional Memberships

Chancery Bar Association; Midland Chancery and Commercial Bar Association; Social Housing Law Association.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

UK Bar

Real Estate Litigation - Midlands (Bar)

Band 1

Individual Editorial

Michelle Caney is a leading real estate litigator who can be trusted with cases of the utmost complexity. In addition to her strong social housing practice, she handles a range of commercial property matters and has notable experience in boundary disputes, restrictive covenants and damages. She also possesses experience handling property cases with issues of fraud and discrimination. She is skilled at handling cases that raise human rights issues.

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Social Housing - Midlands (Bar)

Band 1

Individual Editorial

Michelle Caney is singled out for her expertise in cases involving disability, mental capacity and human rights issues. She is instructed in matters ranging from possession and injunction claims to judicial review claims and service charge disputes. She accepts instructions on behalf of landlords and tenants and has appeared in the Court of Appeal as sole counsel.

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Chancery - Midlands (Bar)

Band 1

Individual Editorial

Michelle Caney is currently the head of real estate. Caney is well versed in property matters, including real estate litigation, commercial property, estoppel and tenant disputes, and she has experience acting in landmark appeals.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Michelle Caney is at the top of her game in every way. She is faultless and it is a privilege to instruct her. Clients love her and it is easy to see why.
Real Estate LitigationUK Bar
Michelle's advocacy is first-class. Her dedication and preparation are her main strengths, and her research is always very thorough.
Real Estate LitigationUK Bar
Simply one of the best barristers I've worked with.
Social HousingUK Bar
Michelle is simply outstanding in all aspects. Her attention to detail is first-class; she grasps issues very quickly and provides comprehensive advice.
Social HousingUK Bar
Michelle Caney is a safe pair of hands. Her experience shines through in any case. Judges are always happy with her advocacy too.
ChanceryUK Bar
Michelle is the jewel in the crown at this set. She's utterly reliable and goes the extra mile for clients. She has a real passion and flair, which makes a real positive difference.
ChanceryUK Bar