Thank you so much for taking on my case, I am not sure what I would have done without you.
Overview
Michael is a solicitor qualified in New Zealand (2015) and England & Wales (2024). He is also a Solicitor Advocate in the criminal courts (2025).
Michael joined Richard Buxton Solicitors in 2021. He leads the firm’s nuisance practice, and also acts in other areas of the firm’s work including public law. Michael has specialist expertise in statutory nuisance and acts regularly for clients wishing to bring statutory nuisance claims or defend against local authority enforcement (including appeals of abatement notices and defending prosecutions for breach of notices).
He enjoys working constructively with clients (and opponents) to find workable solutions to the inevitable conflicts that arise in a modern society.
Before moving to the UK, Michael worked for firms in New Zealand. His mixed background in private disputes, local government administrative law, and planning law brings a unique perspective to private and statutory nuisance cases and associated planning issues.
Directory Quotes
Michael is extremely professional and very knowledgeable.
The level of service I received from Michael was exceptional. His grasp of the case's legal complexities and his ability to find solutions to its challenges were second to none.
He is innovative and gets invested in the case. He knows the details inside out. Whenever you are with Michael, you are always a step ahead.
Key Cases
Licence Review of Grade II* Wedding Venue
Washington v Froyle Park Ltd
New conditions imposed on Hampshire wedding venue
Defence of noise abatement prosecution against animal sanctuary
Swale Borough Council v The Happy Pants Ranch
Magistrates dismiss prosecution for noise nuisance against animal sanctuary
Challenge against Noise Abatement Notice for Events Venue
A Wedding Venue v A Local Authority
Council Agree to Withdraw Noise Abatement Notice on Wedding Venue
Noise nuisance from greyhound kennelling and training
David Dews v Philip Barlow and Terry Gill
Order agreed to stop kenneling and training of greyhounds in residential street.
Construction noise nuisance claim
Large-scale construction project noise nuisance claim
Settlement of claim of noise nuisance from a large-scale construction project
Fox Odour Statutory Nuisance Prosecution
East Hampshire District Council v Auburn
Wildlife rescuer not guilty of breach of abatement notice for fox odour
Car Wash Noise Nuisance
Stavrietsky/Melville v Ramyar Hand Car Wash Ltd and others
Residents obtain abatement order restricting noise from car wash
Distribution Centre noise nuisance
Rennison v Lloyd Fraser Logistics Ltd and SEGRO (Fairways Industrial Estate) Ltd
Statutory nuisance claim for noise from distribution centre settles
Dairy Farm Judicial Review
R (Ward) v Torridge District Council
Judicial review of retrospective permission for dairy farm development
Client Quotes
We cannot fault the exceptional service provided by Richard Buxton Solicitors throughout our recent legal case. From the very beginning, communication was excellent, and we felt completely supported. Michael Riordan and his team were always available at the end of the phone to answer our questions and alleviate our concerns. The level of guidance and reassurance we received prior to and during the case hearings was outstanding. They were fully committed to achieving our goals, and the successful resolution of the case in our favour more than satisfied our initial expectations. Because the service was completely excellent in every single aspect, we truly see no need or area for extra improvement. They provided a masterclass in legal support.
Richard Buxton Solicitors offered to help me and totally and wholeheartedly delivered. There was not a moment throughout my legal challenge, that I questioned if I had made the right choice in my legal representation. Everything they did for me from the very first meeting was exemplary. They quite literally saved me, and more importantly in doing so, set a precedent for a greater recognition of our collective responsibility for protecting wildlife.
The service I have received from the team at Richard Buxton Solicitors has been truly exceptional and I am immensely grateful to everyone, especially Michael Riordan. During what was a highly stressful time for me due to the nuisance near my home, it was incredibly reassuring to have the calm support of Michael and the team. Over the many months, I have greatly appreciated Michael’s unwavering belief in my case, his grasp of its complexities; his thoroughness in keeping me informed at all stages as matters developed, and for always welcoming my opinions and suggestions. His patience and tenacity, along with the support of his colleagues, in building a robust legal case through to negotiation was second to none and made me feel like I finally had someone on my side. The final outcome is a testament to everyone’s efforts on the case.
Really appreciate what you and Chloe have done so far and will be happy to recommend you to anyone, here in the village or online.
And once again I really appreciate the help and support your practice and team are doing for me and my family. Gives a little faith in humanity again.
Your approachable and clear guidance made a real difference during what was a very challenging time.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Laws, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
- Bachelor of Arts (Criminology and Religious Studies), Victoria University of Wellington
- Admitted Barrister and Solicitor, High Court of New Zealand
- Higher Rights of Audience (Criminal)
Memberships
- UK Environmental Law Association
- Private Prosecutors’ Association
- UK Centre for Animal Law
Personal interests
Michael loves to travel, read, and run marathons (not all at the same time). He is also a big cricket fan and as a New Zealander will still not accept that England ever won the 2019 World Cup.