Michael is a Partner in Simpson Grierson's Resources and Infrastructure Department, which is comprised of the commercial property, construction, and local government and environment work groups. Michael leads the commercial property work group in Wellington.

He has extensive experience in all aspects of property law, property development work and business law. He advises major institutions and investors on the development  and  management of commercial property and residential property in Wellington and throughout New Zealand.

Michael’s key specialities are commercial leasing, acquisitions, divestments, and the provision of business advice and advice in the energy sector. He has recently advised on a wide range of new building projects in the current development cycle in Wellington, as well as on major refurbishment and development projects.

Michael advises BP on the full range of its property and general commercial requirements throughout New Zealand, including supply agreements, land control issues, specialist developments such as Motorway Service Centres, infrastructure projects, and its Land Bank.

He advised for more than five years on the production of The Lord of the Rings - on property access issues, consents and approvals, and a wide range of contractual and legal issues.

As a Notary Public, Michael deals with internal and external diplomatic agencies on various diplomatic issues in New Zealand, including the establishment of foreign missions.

• Westpac's divestment of its branch network
• 3 Foot 6's production of Lord of the Rings
• Strategic insurance and risk issues arising from the Auckland electricity crisis
• Energy sector and infrastructure advice to BP, WOSL and Austral Pacific
• Disposal and risk issues related to Queens Wharf Retail and Events Centre and Wellington Waterfront advice
• Property and commercial issues affecting BP's network of 300 service stations throughout New Zealand, including advice on supply agreements, development of Motorway Service Centres, property management, Land Bank supervision, and refinery, terminal and other infrastructure projects
• Development of major trusts, estate planning structures and charitable trusts for private client investors
• Major RFP advice and assistance with the outsourcing of property management functions for various corporates and government departments
• Property management issues for AXA New Zealand including leases, licences, major tenancy and development agreements, construction and redevelopment of tower blocks, and Land Bank supervision
• Major new building and redevelopments projects such as Transpower House , HSBC Tower, MFE Building, Statistics Building and Deloitte House, as well as other new premises selection projects currently underway
• Government embassies on diplomatic issues

• Notary Public
• Lex Mundi Asia/Pacific - Chairman of the Trusts and Estates Group
• Brookers' Trusts, Practice & Procedure - Co-editor
• Brookers' Wills & Estates Practice & Procedure  - Co-editor