Sir Michael Burton, QC, the President of the Forum for International Conciliation and Arbitration (FICA), has been appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by Her Majesty the Queen in her 2019 Birthday Honours lists recently announced. Sir Michael received the distinction for ‘services to the Rule of Law’.

In making the announcement of his appointment, the Prime Minister’s Office stated that Sir Michael

is the figurehead of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal since its inception in 2000 and has played a pivotal role in the UK’s world leading oversight of its security and intelligence agencies. He is an experienced QC and latterly a judge of the High Court. He has ruled on landmark cases that have had considerable impact on the landscape of investigatory powers. He has adapted the Tribunal to deal with new, wide-ranging counter terrorism powers. As a result of his work, there have been tangible improvements in how authorities operate to ensure that they are working within the law. He founded the Corinne Burton Memorial Trust in 1992 in memory of his late wife and for the past 26 years the Trust has funded art therapy for cancer patients as well as providing support for students wanting to pursue this field. Most notably, he has set up a scholarship fund at Goldsmith’s College, London University which is awarded every year to a student who wishes to study art psychotherapy with a focus on cancer care. As Chair of the Trust, he maintains an active role in its funding projects, outreach activities and strategic direction.

FICA congratulates Sir Michael on his well-earned and well-deserved appointment to the Order, which is a great reflection upon his life and career in the law. FICA is fortunate to count Sir Michael as its president and appreciates his association with the organization.