Michael Chapman

Michael specialises in disputes involving financial services fraud, and difficult commercial litigation and regulatory disputes against well-resourced opponents.  He cuts through complex issues to provide outcome-focused, practical advice.

Significant cases:

• A class action brought by victims of Melissa Caddick against the auditors of affected SMSFs.
• Acting for victims of Melissa Caddick in the receivership of Ms Caddick and her associated company, Maliver Pty Ltd
• Willmott Growers Group Inc. v Willmott Forests Ltd [2013] HCA 51 – an appeal to the High Court regarding the applicability of a liquidator’s disclaimer powers to property leases.
• ASIC v AGM Markets Pty Ltd [2018] FCA 1119 – a Federal Court application by ASIC to appoint provisional liquidators to a contracts for difference (CFD) provider operating under an Australian Financial Services Licence.
• Crown Resorts – Royal Commission into Casino Operator and Licence – acting for a key witness in the Royal Commission.
• The Colmont School administration (formerly The Kilmore International School) – acting for the landowner and primary creditor of the school.

Specialisations:

• Financial services fraud
• Regulatory investigations and enforcement
• Complex receiverships and insolvencies
• Commercial property development and leasing disputes
• Building and construction matters (including regulatory investigations)
• Managed investment schemes

Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (BASc.) – University of Melbourne
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – Monash University
• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP) – Leo Cussen Institute

Prior to Mackay Chapman, Michael worked at leading Australian commercial law firms and inside a Big Four bank, having started his career at ASIC.

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