Michael Polak Shortlisted for LexisNexis Personality of the Year 2023
JUSTICE ABROAD
“Here When You Need Us”
Director of Justice Abroad and barrister at Church Court Chambers, Michael Polak, has been shortlisted by LexisNexis for the Legal Personality of the Year 2023.
The awards event will take place on Thursday 23 March 2023 at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London.
Michael Polak has been described as representing ‘clients in the most high-profile and important cases both internationally and at home as director of Justice Abroad and a barrister at Church Court Chambers as well as acting pro bono to defend lawyers and journalists at risk around the world.’
Michael was awarded the prestigious International Bar Association’s Outstanding Young Lawyer Award in 2021 where he was recognised for his ‘extraordinary level of commitment to humanitarian causes and an unrivalled determination to make a positive impact on the legal world’ for his legal work and setting up Fuel Our Frontline during the coronavirus pandemic.’
Michael’s recent notable cases include:
the Cyprus Rape Case where Michael spearheaded the legal campaign for the Ayia Napa rape victim, her successful appeal before the Supreme Court of Cyprus, and her current application before the European Court of Human Rights;
the case of businessman Mr Mehul Choksi, who was brutally beaten and kidnapped from Antigua and unlawfully rendered to the Commonwealth of Dominica where an Indian jet was waiting to whisk him away to India against his will. Michael’s work on this case has resulted in the issuance of arrest warrants against those involved;
the David Hunter mercy killing case in Paphos, where the defendant, a pensioner from Northumberland, is on trial for murder after assisting his wife, who was suffering with cancer, to end her life;
the successful defence of group of activists who protested at the Acropolis during the Beijing 2022 torch ceremony;
a case against Chinese leaders for genocide and crimes against humanity carried out against the Uyghur people before the Courts of Argentina; and
prosecuting the largest ever unlawful eviction prosecution which involved a landlady, her son, and two heavies, carrying out 16 different instances of violent evictions against vulnerable tenants over 11 years including the use of serious physical violence. “
Michael Polak has stated “I am very pleased to have been shortlisted for this prestigious award and I pay tribute to the many experts who help me with my work as well as my brave clients fighting for their rights against powerful states.”
Votes can be cast by following the link here.
For any questions in relation to this case please contact Justice Abroad by email at contact@JusticeAbroad.co.uk or phone on +44 (0)203 488 2316.
Notes to Editors
Justice Abroad, www.justiceabroad.co.uk has been set up to help those trying to find their way through foreign justice systems with all the associated hurdles that presents, to represent those facing gross breaches of their human rights no matter where this takes place, and to advise and assist the victims of crimes as to how to achieve justice.
Justice Abroad, run by international lawyer Michael Polak, has assembled a team of top investigators, lawyers, and support staff to provide unparalleled support, advice and guidance, legal, advocacy, and investigatory service for your Justice Abroad issues anywhere in the world. The Justice Abroad team with their trusted international pool of multilingual experts, their networks, and media contacts and their well-documented determination to leave no stone unturned in the search for the truth and justice for families who have been denied it are here to provide that much needed support for families and individuals in their time of need.