Michael specialises in major liability cases, commissions and inquiries and cyber security law.
Michael is recognised as an excellent technical and outcome-focussed litigator, capable of dealing with large volumes of information. He is experienced in high profile matters and has helped clients navigate the complexity of major litigation, Royal Commissions and public inquiries. Michael is a leading ADR practitioner and has a large practice specialising in the resolution of tort-based claims. Additionally, Michael is one of the forces behind Corrs Cyber and is regularly retained to help clients manage cyber security risk, breach response and regulatory interactions.
Michael is the head of Corrs’ Legal Technology Solutions group and is widely recognised for his insight into e-discovery and the use of technology in law. He is also a co-founder of Telesto Legal and Technology Limited.
With a strong commitment to pro bono, Michael is a Sydney pro bono Partner who has been recognised as a Best Lawyer in the Charity and Not for Profit sector since 2014.
Key deals
Royal Commissions, inquiries and prosecutions
Advised and represented a number of large “household name” organisations in preparing for and responding to Royal Commissions, Commissions of Inquiry, Senate and Parliamentary Inquiries. He is also experienced in setting up and conducting internal inquiries. A sample of the matters that Michael has acted in include:
- advising senior executives of a major government contractor in extensive joint select committee hearings of the Australian parliament;
- advising a not-for-profit employment organisation in initiating an investigation into whistleblower allegations regarding the use of Commonwealth rebates and liaising with the Commonwealth on the outcome;
- advising in numerous Royal Commission hearings, parliamentary inquiries and related matters;
- advising the operator and officers of a major transport infrastructure hub on ICAC inquiries and hearings involving a local council;
- advising the trustees of a large superannuation company on allegations of expenses fraud, including advising on an APRA investigation; and
- appointed by various corporations and major charities to act as investigator on claims of fraud, bribery and corruption and officer misconduct.
Cyber response
Michael has acted for a number of major companies in responding to cyber security breaches. A sample of the matters he has acted on include:
- Advising a multinational professional services firm advising on and co-ordinating its response to a cyber related system vulnerability.
- Advising on and overseeing a breach response, forensic investigation and reporting for an ASX listed company in respect of unauthorised access to the e-mail accounts of senior corporate officer.
- Advising on the consequences of responding to cryptolocker demands.
E-discovery and technology in law
Michael has overseen a significant number of major e-discoveries in some of Australia’s largest matters.
Michael is also recognised as one of Australia’s leading legal technologists and has been involved in the development of a number of award winning initiatives.