1. Master of Laws (First Class), University of Cambridge, 2020
2. Bachelor of Laws (University Medal), University of Queensland, 2016
3. Bachelor of Arts, University of Queensland, 2016

Immediately prior to coming to the Bar, Michael was Counsel Assisting the Solicitor-General of the Commonwealth. Michael has also served as Associate to the Hon Chief Justice Susan Kiefel AC at the High Court of Australia, and to the Hon Justice Philip McMurdo in the Queensland Court of Appeal.

Michael has previously worked as a Senior Lawyer (Dispute Resolution) at the Australian Government Solicitor (AGS), Counsel within the Office of General Counsel at AGS, and a Solicitor (Dispute Resolution) at King and Wood Mallesons.

Michael holds a Master of Law (First Class) from the University of Cambridge, where he was awarded the Henry Arthur Hollond Studentship by Trinity College.  He also graduated with a BA/LLB with the University Medal in Law from the University of Queensland.

Constitutional law:

1. Vanderstock v State of Victoria (2023) 98 ALJR 208; [2023] HCA 30 (led by Stephen Donaghue KC, David Thomas SC and Celia Winnett)
2. JZQQ v Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs [2023] FCAFC 168 (led by Craig Lenehan SC)
3. Pearson v Commonwealth of Australia & Ors (S126/2023) (led by Craig Lenehan SC and Zelie Heger)
4. Tapiki v Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural affairs (P23/2023) (special leave) (led by Craig Lenehan SC)
5. CZA19 v Minister for Immigration & Anor (VID247/2024) (led by Patrick Knowles SC)
6. Ingall v Australian Postal Corporation (Q34/23) (unled)

Administrative law:

1. Child Support Registrar v CMU23 [2024] FCA 109 (led by Scott McLeod KC)
2. Burns & Anor v Chief of the Defence Force [2023] FCA 866 and (QUD 12/2024) (led by Scott McLeod KC)
3. Sabatino v Minister for Resources (BS 9739/23) (led by Stephen Lee)
4. Rewami v Australian Information Commissioner (QUD 446/2023) (unled)
5. Lie In Tjeng v Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs (BRG 99/2023) (unled)
6. Kolera v Queensland Police (OCL009-24) (unled)

General commercial:

1. Americold Australian Holdings Pty Ltd v Lago Cold Stores Ltd (NSD 363/2023) (led by Stewart Webster)
2. General Trade Industries v AGL Energy Limited (QUD 255/2020) (discovery application) (unled)
3. Angus v Polites & Firgaira Property Pty Ltd (RSL164-19) (unled)

Michael has also been briefed in two other large ongoing commercial cases although his involvement in those matters remains confidential at the present time.

Advice work:

Michael has advised corporate and government clients on the prospects of potential litigation, in diverse fields including general commercial, contract, equity and trusts and statutory construction.

Alternative dispute resolution

Michael has experience in a number of alternative dispute resolution processes, including:

1. Expert determination: Acting (led by Nuala Simpson and Jayleigh Sargent) for the head landlord against a prospective tenant in relation to a high value construction project in New South Wales
2. Mediation: Acting (unled) for a judicial review applicant in relation to a novel administrative law claim, which was successfully resolved at mediation.