Since coming to the bar in 2000, Michael has built a successful commercial law practice as a barrister advising and appearing in numerous commercial disputes in different courts.

Michael is accredited nationally as a mediator and accredited by the Victorian Bar as an advanced mediator. He has developed a reputation of resolving difficult legal disputes as a mediator.

Michael has also appeared in numerous Supreme Court, County Court and Magistrates Court matters involving banking and finance disputes, guarantee claims, Corporations Act 2001 claims, commercial disputes, debt recovery actions, credit matters, partnership and contractual disputes. Michael has also acted in disputes over real property, trusts and claims under Part IV Administration and Probate Act 1958.

Michael has also appeared in personal bankruptcy and corporate insolvency matters in both the Supreme Court of Victoria and Federal Court of Australia.

Michael has appeared in the Fair Work Australia and its predecessor the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, in numerous unfair dismissal hearings and industrial disputes. He has also appeared in the Federal Court, Federal Circuit Court and Magistrates’ Court in numerous employment matters involving breach of contract, unlawful termination, breach of Award, breach of Certified Agreement and breach of Fair Work Act 2009. Michael has also appeared in V.C.A.T and the Federal Circuit Court in equal opportunity claims.  

Michael has also appeared at special tribunal lists such as V.C.A.T in the Legal Practice List, Owners Corporation, Fair Trading, Retail Leasing, Domestic Building, Credit and Equal Opportunity Lists.

Michael has also advised numerous businesses and directors strategically in commercial, employment, shareholder and partnership disputes.

Prior to coming to the Bar, Michael had 6 years’ experience as a solicitor, duing that time working at the firms Gadens Lawyers and Norton Rose Lawyers.

He brings his legal experience and skills as a mediator to assist clients in often finding commercial solutions to difficult legal problems.

Booking Contact: paulholmes@vicbar.com.au