Background
Qualifications
- Master of Laws (University of Sydney)
- Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Economics
Michael Connor is a Sydney-based barrister who accepts briefs in all areas of the law. His areas of expertise include commercial law and equity, corporations law, insolvency law, intellectual property, building and construction law, coronial inquests and property law. His clients include major banks, insurers, insolvency practitioners, small-to-medium enterprises and ASX-listed companies.
Michael takes a strategic approach to resolving disputes and works closely with instructing solicitors, experts and clients to forensically analyse and resolve complex issues. He has appeared both led and unled in many jurisdictions, including the Supreme Court of NSW and the Federal Court of Australia.
Michael understands the challenges that face solicitors and clients, and enjoys working collaboratively with dedicated professionals to achieve the best commercial outcome for clients. He has a reputation as a precise advocate, and is well regarded for his commercial approach and meticulous understanding of the factual and legal issues in each matter.
Michael was called to the bar in 2018, after working for eight years as a solicitor at DibbsBarker and Gadens, and as a Senior Associate in MacPherson Kelly’s commercial litigation team.
Outside of chambers, Michael enjoys racing motorcycles, long distance running and water sports, including surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and sailing. He is also passionate about the arts.
Specialisations
- Commercial law and equity
- Corporations law
- Insolvency law
- Building and construction law
- Property law
- Intellectual property
- Coronial inquests
Michael's Notable Cases
Azzi v Fox Fire Security System L.L.C. [2020] NSWSC 331.
In this case, the plaintiff was a former employee who brought proceedings for misleading and deceptive conduct, breach of contract and unconscionability against a company and three individuals, each of whom resided or was registered in the UAE. Appearing for the defendants, Michael brought an application under UCPR reg 11.6, requesting that the court not… READ MORE
Azzi v Fox Fire Security System L.L.C. [2020] NSWSC 331
In this case, the plaintiff was a former employee who brought proceedings for misleading and deceptive conduct, breach of contract and unconscionability against a company and three individuals, each of whom resided or was registered in the UAE. Appearing for the defendants, Michael brought an application under UCPR reg 11.6, requesting that the court not assume jurisdiction and dismiss the proceedings on the basis that the claim had insufficient prospects of success to warrant putting the defendants to the time, expense and trouble of defending the proceedings. The court held that the principles in General Steel did not apply to r 11.6 UCPR and dismissed the plaintiff’s proceedings.
Azzi v Fox Fire Security System L.L.C. [2020] NSWSC 331
In this case, the plaintiff was a former employee who brought proceedings for misleading and deceptive conduct, breach of contract and unconscionability against a company and three individuals, each of whom resided or was registered in the UAE. Appearing for the defendants, Michael brought an application under UCPR reg 11.6, requesting that the court not assume jurisdiction and dismiss the proceedings on the basis that the claim had insufficient prospects of success to warrant putting the defendants to the time, expense and trouble of defending the proceedings. The court held that the principles in General Steel did not apply to r 11.6 UCPR and dismissed the plaintiff’s proceedings.
Super Vision Resources Ltd v Xu [2019] NSWSC 367. Michael appeared for the plaintiff in an application to extend a freezing order against the defendant and a third-party corporation. During the proceedings, the defendant transferred his real property assets to the related third party in questionable circumstances (with Mr Knackstredt).
Super Vision Resources Ltd v Xu [2019] NSWSC 389. Michael appeared for a BVI registered entity in proceedings concerning the recovery of a loan from the guarantor. The defendant alleged oral variations to the loan agreement, misrepresentation, estoppel and unconscionable conduct (with Mr Knackstredt).
Ta Lee Investment Pty Ltd v Antonios [2019] NSWCA 24; Lum v M V Developments (Lane Cove) Pty Limited (in liquidation) [2018] NSWSC 247; & Lum v M V Developments (Lane Cove) Pty Limited (in liquidation) [2016] NSWSC 1248.
This matter involved two hearings at first instance and one appeal regarding specific performance of contracts for the sale of land against a company in liquidation, as well as the priority of equitable interests against purportedly secured creditors. Michael helped obtain personal costs orders against the liquidators, who were not parties to the proceedings, for… READ MORE
Ta Lee Investment Pty Ltd v Antonios [2019] NSWCA 24; Lum v M V Developments (Lane Cove) Pty Limited (in liquidation) [2018] NSWSC 247; & Lum v M V Developments (Lane Cove) Pty Limited (in liquidation) [2016] NSWSC 1248
This matter involved two hearings at first instance and one appeal regarding specific performance of contracts for the sale of land against a company in liquidation, as well as the priority of equitable interests against purportedly secured creditors. Michael helped obtain personal costs orders against the liquidators, who were not parties to the proceedings, for their unreasonable conduct (instructing Mr Knackstredt).
Ta Lee Investment Pty Ltd v Antonios [2019] NSWCA 24; Lum v M V Developments (Lane Cove) Pty Limited (in liquidation) [2018] NSWSC 247; & Lum v M V Developments (Lane Cove) Pty Limited (in liquidation) [2016] NSWSC 1248
This matter involved two hearings at first instance and one appeal regarding specific performance of contracts for the sale of land against a company in liquidation, as well as the priority of equitable interests against purportedly secured creditors. Michael helped obtain personal costs orders against the liquidators, who were not parties to the proceedings, for their unreasonable conduct (instructing Mr Knackstredt).
Howden Australia Pty Ltd v Minetek Pty Ltd [2019] FCA 981. Michael appeared for the respondents in an urgent interlocutory injunction application. The application involved an allegation of misuse of confidential information to design and manufacture ventilation fans for the mining industry (led by Mr Corsaro SC).
Bellerive Homes Ltd v FW Projects Pty Ltd [2018] NSWSC 193. Michael represented a development company and its directors in contempt proceedings for non-payment of a judgment debt following the registration of an adjudication certificate under s 25 of the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW). The proceedings were dismissed (led by Mr Corsaro SC).
Enquiries
We accept briefs in all areas of commercial practice and in our barristers' other areas of practice. For further information or advice on our barristers and their availability, fees and areas of practice please contact our Front of House team.