Biography
Michelle is a partner at Sparke Helmore with more than 25 years' experience in maritime and transport law. She has been recognised internationally for her extensive experience in some of the most significant maritime incidents in Australian and New Zealand waters in recent years, including Shen Neng 1, Rena and YM Efficiency.
She has significant expertise in admiralty practice as well as maritime related disputes in the Asia Pacific region, China and Germany.
Michelle brings more than a decade of working with Commonwealth Agencies including the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. She was recently invited to contribute to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications’ consultation on the Wreck Removal Convention.
Michelle’s market recognition as a leading legal practitioner includes Chambers Asia-Pacific—Leading Lawyer, Shipping; Best Lawyers Australia—Shipping & Maritime Law, Transportation Law, Insurance Law; Doyle's Guide - Leading Admiralty, Maritime & Shipping Lawyer; and Legal 500 Asia-Pacific—Transport.
She is the President of the Maritime Law Association of Australia & New Zealand; is on the Executive of Australian Maritime and Transport Arbitration Commission; and holds a Master of Laws in Maritime Law from the University of Queensland (Dean’s Honour Roll for Academic Excellence).