Michael is the co-founder and Managing Director of Batch Mewing Lawyers and jointly leads the firm. His practice focuses on complex construction and infrastructure disputes involving multiple parties and claims relating to variations, latent conditions, delays, bank guarantees and defective works.
Michael has more than 20 years' experience in construction law and litigation, gained at leading firms in Australia and the United Kingdom and through in-house roles with major contractors. Clients value his clear, commercial and pragmatic approach to resolving project issues. His in-house experience provides a strong understanding of the realities of project delivery and the commercial pressures faced by contractors and project owners.
His experience spans major infrastructure, transport, health, energy, defence, mining and commercial construction projects throughout Australia and the United Kingdom, including Inland Rail, WestConnex, Defence infrastructure works, renewable energy projects, hospitals, commercial developments and major industrial projects. He draws on this breadth of experience to assist clients in managing project risk, resolving disputes and achieving commercially practical outcomes.
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.
When a serious incident happens, the first few hours matter. This guide walks through who to notify, what evidence to preserve, and when to bring in legal advice, so the response holds up under scrutiny.
Buyers rarely price a construction business on earnings alone. This final piece in our Business Exits series looks at where deals lose value during due diligence, and the preparation that protects it.
Selling isn't the only way out. For some construction business owners, a controlled wind-down offers more certainty and less risk than chasing a sale, provided liabilities, insurance and workforce obligations are managed properly along the way.
