Michael is a partner and specialist litigator in the banking and finance department. He heads the security enforcement, insolvency, and restructuring group.
His clients include banks, government agencies, corporates, financial institutions, and insolvency practitioners. He advises on all aspects of banking, finance, and insolvency litigation, including liquidations and receiverships.
Michael has a broad range of mediation, arbitration, and litigation experience. He regularly appears as counsel in the New Zealand courts at all levels.
- Chambers Global Restructuring & Insolvency 2010 - Leading Lawyer
Examples of Work
- Westpac - counsel in Westpac New Zealand Ltd v Clark (High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court) concerning the indefeasibility of forged mortgages and loan agreements
- GE Custodians - counsel in Bartle v GE Custodians (High Court and Court of Appeal) concerning the enforceability of mortgages granted by borrowers who used the loans to invest in a Blue Chip scheme
- Official Assignee - counsel in Official Assignee v Sanctuary Propvest Ltd concerning the Official Assignee's power to recover assets from sham trusts and sham companies
- ASB Bank - counsel in Burmeister v O'Brien, in which the High Court struck out the plaintiff's claim that ASB's mortgage was unenforceable
- Sleepyhead Manufacturing - co-counsel in Sleepyhead Manufacturing Co v Dunphy (High Court and Court of Appeal) concerning security interests in the assets of companies in liquidation
- Redknee Solutions Inc (as secured creditor) - voluntary administration, receivership, and liquidation of Argent Networks, including purchase of business assets by secured party from the receiver
- McGrath + Nicol - liquidation of the HIH Insurance Group's New Zealand assets (part of Australasia's largest corporate collapse)
Other Credentials
- Banking and Financial Services Law Association - Committee member
- INSOL - Member
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