As one of New Zealand’s leading insurance lawyers, Michael has unrivalled experience and expertise. Since 1988, Michael has acted for most New Zealand insurers and managing general agencies, brokers and a broad range of international insurers, including numerous Lloyd’s Syndicates.

Michael specialises in professional indemnity, general liability and directors and officers insurance, with a particular expertise in claims against barristers, solicitors, accountants, engineers, construction professionals and real estate agents. He acts in the defence of regulatory claims by the Commence Commission and Financial Markets Authority. He has a wealth of experience drafting and advising on all types of insurance policies, including complex combined liability policies, and bespoke policies and endorsements. He provides risk management services and litigation advice across a wide range of professions and industries.

Michael’s expansive knowledge of insurance law, coupled with an understanding of the specific dynamic risks faced by various industries, enables him to swiftly and accurately assess the best approach to resolving claims which benefits insurers and their clients alike.

Michael has a Master’s Degree in Commercial Law with first class honours majoring in insurance. He frequently presents to professional groups, insurers and brokers and lectures in professional indemnity insurance at University of Auckland. Michael is also an associate of the Arbitrators and Mediators Institute of New Zealand.

Michael was named individually as a leading lawyer in the NZ Lawyer Magazine’s 2021 Insurance Law Superstars and is ranked in Chambers and Partners and in the Asia Pacific Insurance Law “Hall of Fame” in The Legal 500.