Biography

    Michael is a partner in Gilbert + Tobin’s Tech + IP group specialising in Technology + Digital.

    He has a wealth of experience in Australia and throughout South East Asia in the procurement and management of complex technology solutions and associated services including complex commercial contracting arrangements.

    Michael also advises clients on a broad range of projects including large scale outsourcing projects, complex systems integration projects and more recently the strategic acquisition of cloud services. He also has extensive experience supporting M&A transactions, advising on business separation and transition issues.

    Michael has a Bachelor of Commerce (with Honours) and a Bachelor of Laws (with Honours) from Monash University.

    Michael’s experience includes advising:

    • BHP Billiton on its Next Generation Outsourcing project, in particular in respect of the Service Desk, Software and End User Computing service bundles;
    • a regional telecommunications company on the redesign of its infrastructure and applications outsourcing panel arrangements. This involved advising the client on world class procurement models designed to drive down total cost of ownership while increasing flexibility and alignment client business objectives;
    • an Australian energy company on its end-to-end IT Outsourcing Arrangements and Business Process Outsourcing Arrangements;
    • a large regional infrastructure services company on a “first of its kind” work management system. This involved the procurement of the system components and assisting the client to develop and implement protocols with suppliers, customers and employees designed to protect the client’s competitive advantage gained from the new system;
    • a significant customer loyalty program on the development of an identity and data matching platform which collects customer data from web and non-web channels, synchronising customer profiles across channels, and making that data available for use with targeted marketing activities;
    • a major telecommunications company in relation to a number of pieces of critical national technology infrastructure including the National Broadband Network, Property Exchange Australia (world’s first online property exchange platform), and E-Health (Australia’s personally controlled electronic health record platform);
    • a major international toll road operator with the implementation of a multi-tenanted tolling system across multiple toll roads in New South Wales and Victoria; and
    • a major telecommunications operator on all aspects of its 5 year IT Transformation program including customer care and billing transformation, operational support systems transformation, mediation transformation and enterprise data warehouse transformation.

    Michael is ranked Band 2 in TMT: Information Technology.

    Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific 2024

    Recognised in Commercial Law, Information Technology Law, Privacy and Data Security Law, Telecommunications Law.

    BEST LAWYERS AUSTRALIA

    Recognised as a Recommended Technology, Media & Telecommunications lawyer (NSW).

    DOYLE’S GUIDE

    "He's always a go-to for anything technically complex and is a very effective negotiator. His mastery of soft skills is second to none."

    Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific 2020

    Finalist - Technology Partner of the Year.

    LAWYERS WEEKLY PARTNER OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2020

    Finalist - Media and Telecommunications Partner of the Year.

    LAWYERS WEEKLY PARTNER OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2020

    Michael is ranked Band 2 in TMT: Information Technology.

    THE LEGAL 500 ASIA-PACIFIC 2024