Adaptable, tech-savvy, and empathetic, Michael embraces the philosophy of “Tomorrow’s Lawyers.” It’s all about adopting whatever method is needed to make legal processes more accessible, understandable, and useful for clients.
Michael’s core focus is commercial and governance arrangements. He advises at both operational and governance levels, and works with a range of businesses and organisations, including SME’s, forestry and food production, property developers, Iwi organisations, trusts, and registered charities.
Michael loves a good contract and has a special skill for taking complex information and distilling it into very practical advice. Clients appreciate his straightforward approach, and Michael takes pride in being able to help them navigate even the most challenging legal matters.
Michael is also committed to helping clients achieve their goals in a way that benefits not only their bottom line, but also their community and the longer view. Michael is a strong advocate for climate conscious legal advice and actions to protect the natural capital we all rely on. He supports local and national efforts to bring climate change considerations into commercial transactions. He also volunteers for the Nelson Tasman Climate Forum and is a committee member of the Nelson Tasman branch of Forest & Bird.
Graduating in 2008, Michael began his legal career in Dunedin. In 2011, he moved to the UK to join the in-house legal team at Ricardo PLC, a publicly listed engineering and technology consultancy. Working within a dynamic global company, he gained valuable experience of the challenges businesses face and the need for legal professionals to stay relevant in an ever-changing environment.
Michael follows in his father’s footsteps and returned to Nelson to practice law in 2016. Michael became a Director of CLS in May 2024. He brings many of the same talents and skills as Gary and is very excited to be a custodian of CLS’ clients and staff for the future.