Michael is the co-founder of Batch Mewing Lawyers. He jointly leads the firm which prides itself on understanding the challenges faced by the construction industry, and driving the best outcomes for clients. Michael advises on dispute resolution strategies for complex construction disputes, involving multi-parties, and multiple claims including for variations, latent conditions, bank guarantees and defective works.
Michael has nearly 20 years’ experience in construction law and litigation obtained at firms in Australia and the UK and in-house at some of Australia’s leading contractors. Clients praise his advice for being pragmatic, clear and considered. His comprehensive understanding of how major contractors operate based on his own in-house experience gives him an appreciation of how legal and commercial risks fit within the bigger picture.
He has experience advising on major infrastructure projects both across Australia and the UK including the Clem7 Tunnel, Wembley Stadium, the National Broadband Network, Olympic Dam, the North West Rail Link, Gold Coast Light Rail, WestConnex, the Gateway Upgrade North, Inland Rail, Defence Projects, and various school and high rise development projects.
Michael has been recommended as a leading construction litigator in Queensland by the prestigious Doyles Guide.
Project highlights
Caval Ridge Coal Mine
Advised major mechanical engineering subcontractor on the successful $6M adjudication application for works relating to electrical and instrumentation works at BHP Billiton’s expansion project.
Wembley Stadium
Advised principal on disputes arising during the construction of the £792M sports stadium in London. Provided contractual advice to client and worked with expert programmers in preparation of the claim.
Water Waste Treatment
Defending a specialist waste-water treatment contractor from a multimillion-dollar Victorian Supreme Court claim in relation to the alleged negligent construction of a treatment plant near Geelong.
Late or withheld payments continue to undermine subcontractors, head contractors and civil contractors across Queensland. When a payer stalls or refuses to engage, two debt recovery options often come to mind: adjudication under the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (Qld) and statutory demands under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
Many directors assume that if their enterprise fails, their personal assets will stay safely behind the corporate veil – but the reality is very different. When a construction company collapses, its directors can find themselves facing legal actions, financial liabilities, and professional ruin.
