Meet the Team

A formidable defence. An unwavering commitment.

Michelle Canagasuriam is the Founder and Director of MC Solicitors, bringing over 20 years of experience in criminal defence. A highly experienced criminal defence solicitor with a formidable commitment to protecting her clients’ rights, Michelle has built her practice upon rigorous case preparation, strategic thinking and an uncompromising determination to achieve the best possible outcome in every case.

Michelle holds an LL.B (Hons) in Law and Criminology and an LL.M in Criminal Litigation. Having initially qualified as a Barrister in 2004 before cross-qualifying as a Solicitor, she brings a valuable combination of advocacy experience, legal knowledge and strategic insight to the preparation and conduct of criminal proceedings.

Her approach is simple: no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of her client’s defence.

Michelle is known for her meticulous attention to detail, her ability to identify critical weaknesses in prosecution cases and her determination to challenge evidence wherever appropriate. She understands that a successful defence begins long before a case reaches the courtroom. Every allegation, every piece of evidence and every available line of defence deserves careful scrutiny.

She represents clients across the full spectrum of criminal law, from general criminal allegations and privately funded road traffic matters to murder, manslaughter, serious violence, drugs and firearms offences, and complex fraud investigations.

Whether representing a client facing a relatively straightforward allegation or a life-changing criminal prosecution, Michelle applies the same principles: thorough preparation, clear advice, strategic decision-making and a relentless commitment to her client’s interests.

Serious crime. Significant results.

2026 — Murder acquittal following a three-week Crown Court trial

In September 2026, Michelle and her team secured a significant result when a client facing an allegation of murder was unanimously acquitted by a jury at the Crown Court following a three-week trial.

The case concerned a fatal stabbing in which the defendant admitted inflicting multiple stab wounds, including two to the neck which severed both carotid arteries. The defence advanced was self-defence.

The trial involved challenging evidential and legal issues, including the admission of a previous conviction relating to possession of two knives, the defendant’s substantial psychiatric history and the involvement of an intermediary to assist the defendant throughout proceedings.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations and the complexities surrounding the evidence, the jury returned a unanimous verdict of NOT GUILTY to murder.

Michelle initially instructed Ruth Jones of 9BR Chambers (formerly 9 Bedford Row) as junior counsel in the murder proceedings, before subsequently instructing Justin Rouse KC of the same chambers as leading counsel.

The unanimous acquittal demonstrates the importance of rigorous preparation, skilled advocacy and a properly advanced defence in the most serious criminal proceedings, where the consequences for the accused can be life-changing.

The case attracted national media attention and was reported by BBC News. It was also featured by 9BR Chambers, whose published report expressly acknowledged Michelle Canagasuriam of MC Solicitors as the instructing solicitor.

2026 — Murder charge resolved by a negotiated manslaughter plea

In a separate murder case during 2026, Michelle and her team successfully negotiated a plea to manslaughter, securing a resolution without a murder conviction.

Two murder prosecutions in 2026. Neither resulted in a murder conviction.

Uncompromising Defence. Unwavering Commitment.

For Michelle, effective criminal defence demands a fearless examination of the evidence, a clear understanding of the law and complete dedication to protecting the rights and interests of every client. No stone is left unturned in identifying legitimate lines of enquiry, scrutinising the prosecution case and ensuring that every available defence is properly considered.

She recognises that being accused of a criminal offence can be one of the most distressing experiences a person will face. Her approach combines robust, determined representation with genuine accessibility, professionalism and respect.

Every client deserves to be listened to, every allegation must be examined on its merits, and every decision should be informed by thorough preparation and clear, considered legal advice.

Michelle is committed to ensuring that no client feels like just another case number. She works to ensure that each client understands the proceedings, feels supported throughout and has confidence that their defence is receiving the attention it deserves.

Michelle also accepts instructions on a privately funded basis, providing dedicated representation in a wide range of criminal matters.

Published sources

• 9BR Chambers, 30 September 2026: Man acquitted of murder after admitting double stabbing to the throat
• BBC News report
• Justin Rouse KC profile · Ruth Jones profile

View all case studies

THINK DEFENCE. THINK MC. YOUR DEFENCE. OUR FIGHT. Because you matter.

Dr Winston Canagasuriam brings extensive expertise in financial management, taxation, applied economics and business strategy to MC Solicitors. Holding a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and professional qualification associations with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), he combines advanced academic knowledge with considerable commercial expertise.

His doctoral research examined competitive advantage and organisational performance within the white goods retail industry. He has also served as a member of the Board of Trustees of a major pension fund, bringing valuable experience in financial governance, risk management and organisational oversight.

As the father of Michelle Canagasuriam, Founder and Solicitor of MC Solicitors, Dr Canagasuriam played an instrumental role in supporting Michelle when she established the firm. His professional expertise, encouragement and sound business judgement helped Michelle realise her ambition of creating an independent specialist criminal defence practice.

Dr Canagasuriam advises on the firm's financial planning, business performance, commercial decisions and long-term development.

His commitment to integrity, independence and professional excellence continues to support the values and sustainable development of MC Solicitors.

THINK DEFENCE. THINK MC. YOUR DEFENCE. OUR FIGHT. Because you matter.

Sarah Goodwin is the Practice Manager at MC Solicitors, bringing a distinctive combination of expertise in management, criminal defence case preparation, safeguarding and supporting children, young people and vulnerable individuals.

Alongside overseeing the day-to-day operations of the firm, Sarah plays an integral role in the preparation of criminal defence cases before the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court. Working closely with the team, her responsibilities include taking clients’ instructions, obtaining defence witness statements, examining and considering evidence, liaising with and instructing counsel, attending conferences and coordinating with relevant parties to ensure cases are thoroughly prepared and progressed efficiently.

Sarah’s academic and professional background is rooted in childhood education, having obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge.

Before embarking on a career in criminal defence, Sarah held the position of Deputy Nursery Manager, where she developed extensive experience in leadership, management, safeguarding, regulatory compliance and maintaining high standards of care and education.

Throughout her career, Sarah has worked extensively with children, young people and vulnerable individuals, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), communication difficulties and behavioural or emotional challenges. She has collaborated with speech and language therapists, Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) and other professionals to identify individual needs, develop tailored support plans and promote the wellbeing of those requiring additional assistance.

Sarah’s decision to pursue a career in criminal defence marked a new and rewarding chapter in her professional career. Bringing her established skills in management, safeguarding and communication into the legal profession, Sarah has developed a genuine passion for criminal defence work. She particularly enjoys the challenges and complexities of case preparation, examining evidence and working closely with the legal team to build and advance each client’s defence. She finds the work both intellectually stimulating and personally rewarding, taking great pride in playing an important role in protecting clients’ rights and ensuring they receive the dedicated representation they deserve.

Her professional background brings particular value to the firm’s Youth Practice and its work with vulnerable clients. Sarah understands that involvement in the criminal justice system can be daunting, particularly for young people and individuals with additional needs. Her experience enables her to recognise potential vulnerabilities, adapt her communication and approach to each individual, and provide reassurance with patience, sensitivity and understanding.

Sarah combines a meticulous approach to case preparation with a genuine commitment to client care. She recognises that behind every case is an individual whose circumstances deserve to be understood, whose concerns deserve to be heard and whose dignity must be respected.

Her approach embodies the ethos of MC Solicitors: providing professional, compassionate and non-judgemental support, ensuring that every client feels valued, listened to and supported throughout their case.

THINK DEFENCE. THINK MC. YOUR DEFENCE. OUR FIGHT. Because you matter.