Michael commenced his career with the Crown Law Department and moved to Corrs Chambers Westgarth (when it was called Keall Brinsden) in 1988. Michael left that firm in 1993 to start Hotchkin Hanly with John Hanly.
Michael has more than 30 years litigation experience as counsel in a variety of courts (from the Perth Magistrates’ Court to the High Court of Australia), tribunals and arbitrations (including international arbitrations), in all areas of commercial law, specialising in particular in property disputes of all kinds, planning matters (including heritage issues), construction matters, maritime law, trade practices and contractual disputes, and industrial relations (primarily acting for employers).
Michael also provides strategic advice on planning and implementing substantial projects, which requires dealing with government at all levels up to State and Federal Ministerial level.
Michael is recognised in the 2022 Australian Edition of Best Lawyers, under the category of “Commercial Law”.
