Michael has over 30 years experience as a barrister. He has appeared in a variety of jurisdictions, courts and tribunals. His speciality is the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) and Victims Rights.

Profile

In the first 10 years at the Bar, Michael appeared in both crime and civil matters, and appeared in jury trials in both jurisdictions.
Thereafter, he developed a practice which included Immigration Law, Civil matters appearing mainly for insurers and Workcover appearing for the Authority.
For the past 15 years, Michael has developed a speciality in VOCAT cases and areas of the law involving Victim Rights.
For example, he appeared in a number of VOCAT matters which led to the legal recognition that train drivers are Victims of Crime when suicides occur.
He still appears in other areas from time to time mostly in the Magistrates’ Court.

CASES:

George Halvagis (Family v VOCAT) VCAT 2000
Vita v VOCAT - VCAT 2317 (30.11.2000)
JM v VOCAT – VCAT (2002) (7.6.2002)
Reid v VOCAT – VCAT (2002) (24.5.02)
Schloss v Farfalla (2002) VSC 385
Re: Wathen (2007) VSC 80
Grant V VOCAT – VCAT (Dec 2010)
R v Haidley and Alford (1984) VR 229

Speaker/Papers

Leo Cusson – “Explanation of Crimes Family Violence Laws” (2005)
Bar CDP “The relationship between Solicitors/Barrister in the Magistrates’ Court System” (2009)
Mental Health Worker Network – “Sexual Victims and the Law.” (2011)
Lawyers Practice Manual Service – Co-authored and updated “VOCAT” chapter. (2010 – present)

Volunteer Student Supervisor Springvale/Monash (2001- 2006)