Michael is a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of Australia and the Supreme Court of Victoria and Tasmania, and a solicitor of the Supreme Courts of New South Wales and Queensland. He specialises in property law, company law, business law, banking law and finance and taxation law.

An interest in politics and governance matters led Michael to complete a Bachelor of Laws at University of Tasmania, and he was first admitted as a solicitor in 1979. Since then he has had a distinguished career with firms including Harris McHugh Lawyers, Michael McHugh Lawyers, The Law Company and Stacks Tamworth.

Michael is a member of the Law Society of NSW and the Property Investors Association of Australia. With an articulate and assertive manner, Michael’s considerable experience includes many Supreme Court civil litigation matters as well as those involving business law and commercial litigation.

An Accredited Specialist in Property Law, Michael has handled many successful property transactions including property development, conveyancing and matters relating to wills and estates. His clients appreciate his competent, practical yet empathetic approach.

Michael is foundation vice president and solicitor for the Australian Country Music Foundation. He also acts as solicitor for the Country Music Association of Australia, where he audits the votes for the Golden Guitar awards.

A poet and song writer himself, Michael has a great passion for music and the arts.

Michael is an active member and former vice president of the Tamworth Business Chamber as well as a member of the NSW Business Chamber. He also enjoys doing pro bono legal work and writing articles for the local newspaper about current legal issues.