Specialties.

Michael regularly appears as defence counsel in all types of criminal cases — from lower-level charges through to serious and complex offences. He appears as defence counsel in both jury and judge-alone trials, appears before the Parole Board, and represents clients on appeal.

He has helped many clients avoid convictions, including in serious cases, and has successfully defended charges of assault, dishonesty, aggravated robbery, sexual offending, burglary, and kidnapping. He has achieved numerous bail successes and has had many charges withdrawn or dismissed through careful analysis, preparation, and negotiation. Michael can also assist eligible clients with applications for Police Diversion, and applications to seek being discharged without conviction, helping them avoid a conviction where appropriate.

He is a skilled trial lawyer known for his sharp legal thinking, precise preparation, and ability to stay composed under pressure. He presents clear, persuasive arguments in court and is committed to ensuring his clients receive fair, robust representation and that the presumption of innocence is upheld.

Just as importantly, Michael brings empathy and care to his work. He takes the time to understand his clients as people — their experiences, challenges, and circumstances — and provides steady, confident guidance through even the most difficult situations.

• Jury Trials

• Judge Alone Trials

• Sentencing

• Bail

• Parole

Michael is regularly appointed by the Family Court as Lawyer for Child — an independent role where he represents the views and best interests of children in parenting and guardianship disputes.

This role requires a high level of skill, care, and independence. It demands the ability to connect with children, understand complex family dynamics, and provide clear, practical, and robust representation to children who often cannot speak for themselves. Michael brings a no-nonsense approach that cuts through the noise and focuses on what truly matters. His advice to the Court is always tailored to the unique circumstances of each case, with the child’s best interests at the centre of every recommendation.

In addition to his work as Lawyer for Child, Michael acts for adults in a wide range of Family Court matters — including Parenting and Guardianship disputes, Paternity, Family Violence proceedings, Protection Order applications and discharges, and responding to applications filed against his clients in the Family Court. He is known for his composed, strategic advocacy and clear advice under pressure. Michael ensures his clients feel heard, respected, and well supported, even in the most difficult and emotionally charged circumstances.

• Parenting Order

• Protection Order

• Oranga Tamariki

• Paternity

• Hague Convention

Michael has extensive experience representing clients in traffic and driving matters, including limited licence applications, drink driving charges, and cases involving disqualification or suspension. He regularly assists clients facing charges under the Land Transport Act and provides clear, strategic advice on how to manage or avoid disqualification periods where possible.

There are many misconceptions about drink driving offences — particularly for first-time offenders. Many people assume that a first offence will not result in serious consequences, or that they don’t need a lawyer. In reality, even first-time drink driving charges carry mandatory disqualification periods, impacting employment, and create a criminal record. Michael provides clear, practical advice to help clients understand their position and options from the outset — including whether a limited licence is available or whether there’s a basis to seek a discharge without conviction or avoid disqualification.

He is skilled at identifying legal and procedural issues, negotiating outcomes where appropriate, and advancing strong arguments in court.

Court Appointed

• Lawyer for Child

• Lawyer to Assist the Court