EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE

Michael has over a decade of experience giving him a nuanced understanding of how different areas of law intersect, and this insight gives his diverse range of clients a strategic advantage.

Michael acts in high value disputes, including multiparty litigation, corporate deadlocks, contractual and joint venture disputes, unfair preference and voidable transaction claims, and the enforcement of securities and judgments. He has extensive experience includes representing insolvency practitioners, creditors, and debtors in winding up proceedings, statutory demand disputes, and bankruptcy matters, as well as acting in  property disputes, and deceased estate claims.

Michael has presented at various legal forums on topics such as tax and superannuation issues in liquidations, family law & bankruptcy, commercial litigation, and resolving property disputes through negotiation or litigation.

Michael is known for his ability to integrate technical legal expertise with commercial insight. He delivers practical, strategic outcomes in high stakes matters, often resolving disputes through negotiations or targeted court applications to avoid the cost and risk of trial.

His legal approach combines empathy, clear communication, and commercial acumen, with a focus not only on achieving successful outcomes but also on delivering solutions that have lasting, practical impact.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Michael has a proven track record of securing exceptional results for his clients in significant and often challenging legal disputes. His key accomplishments include:

• Acting for the registered proprietor in an application under s90(3) of the Transfer of Land Act 1958 (Vic) to remove a caveat over residential property, defeating claims of a proprietary interest based on alleged trust, estoppel, and an oral agreement. Convinced the Court that no prima facie case was established and that the balance of convenience favoured removal. Further, successfully resisting an urgent Court of Appeal application, preserving the client’s ability to proceed with settlement (Saad v Saad & Anor [2025] VSC 15; Saad v Saad [2025] VSCA 29)
• Acting for a mortgagee in possession in Supreme Court proceedings brought by a borrower challenging the sale of a development property during the COVID-19 pandemic, alleging breach of duty and undervalue. Successfully established that the mortgagee had acted in good faith and obtained a market-appropriate price despite pandemic-related market constraints, securing judgment in the mortgagee’s favour (230V Harvest Home Road Pty Ltd v Salvo [2021] VSC 558)
• Acting for the respondent in successfully resisting an appeal from a County Court judgment involving contractual and equitable claims arising from a property dispute. The Court of Appeal upheld the trial judge’s findings on credibility and the absence of any enforceable agreement, dismissing all grounds of appeal (Toma v Olcorn [2019] VSCA 116)
• Defending a $1.6 million mortgage enforcement claim where the lender attempted to structure the loan to avoid application of the National Credit Code. Established the lender’s non-compliance with the Code, resulting in a settlement for repayment of principal only and avoiding substantial interest and enforcement costs
• Defending an Australian client against a preference claim in the United States Bankruptcy Court (Southern District of New York) by collaborating with U.S. counsel, ultimately negotiating a resolution that protected the client’s interests
• Acting for one of several respondents in a complex Federal Court proceeding brought by a bankruptcy trustee seeking recovery of land sale proceeds valued at $1.6 million. Working closely with the other respondents and their legal representatives, providing strategic guidance that shaped group settlement decisions, and negotiated a confidential settlement under which the proceeding was discontinued with the client receiving restitution from the trustee rather than making any payment
• Advising and acting for a bankruptcy trustee in Federal Circuit Court proceedings involving the division of divisible matrimonial assets and competing claims under the Bankruptcy Act and Family Law Act, achieving a settlement under which the trustee received a lump sum payment in satisfaction of the bankrupt’s interest, secured removal of caveats, and facilitated the transfer and refinancing of two residential properties, resolving the matter without contested hearing
• Successfully obtaining a court order to terminate a winding up pursuant to section 482(1) of the Corporations Act in a complex case where the liquidation continued for over two years, arguing that further continuation was contrary to the public interest
• Achieving a favourable outcome in a contentious testamentary capacity claim in the Supreme Court of Victoria. The client’s sister had attempted to probate an online will that significantly altered the estate’s distribution. Michael successfully challenged that will, resulting in the prior will being upheld and the estate being split 50/50 between the siblings
• Successfully transferred a County Court of Victoria building dispute to VCAT under section 57(2) of the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 (Vic), securing a more appropriate forum for resolution
• Facilitating the successful registration of a trademark despite an opposition filed with IP Australia by a major retailer over branding similarities
• Securing a favourable settlement in a cross-border commercial dispute for an Australian manufacturer involving the supply of marine components to a South African shipyard, thereby preserving the client’s crucial international supplier relationships.