Michael Rodrigues

Michael Rodrigues, B.A. (Crim. & Pol. Sci.); J.D.; GDLP; NAM; FDRP – is the Principal of My Legal Crunch Lawyers and Skip the Conflict Mediation Services.

Michael Rodrigues is a highly experienced Australian litigation lawyer and accredited mediator, recognised for acting in complex, high-value, and high-risk legal disputes across multiple jurisdictions.

Michael is an Australian qualified lawyer, also holding admission to practice in the High Court of Australia, Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and the High Court of New Zealand.

Michael regularly appears in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, including Division 1, and has experience in appellate proceedings and superior courts.

Over the past decade, Michael has built a practice focused on complex litigation, dispute resolution, and strategic advocacy, appearing across multiple Australian jurisdictions.

Key Areas of Expertise

• Complex family law litigation (parenting and property disputes)
• High-value property matters involving trusts, companies, and asset structures
• International and cross-border family law disputes
• Appellate advocacy and Division 1 matters
• Domestic violence and urgent protection proceedings
• Criminal law representation
• Commercial and corporate disputes
• Estate litigation and contested wills
• Commercial, workplace, and family mediation

Michael represents clients across complex and specialised areas of law, often involving significant financial, personal, or legal risk.

He is particularly experienced in matters involving:

• Trust structures and corporate entities
• Multi-jurisdictional disputes
• High-conflict parenting cases
• Complex asset pools and forensic financial issues

Michael regularly appears in Court as an Independent Children’s Lawyer. He is appointed by the Court in high-risk parenting matters to represent the best interests of children, often in cases involving significant conflict, risk, or complexity.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution Approach

Michael combines strong courtroom advocacy with advanced negotiation and mediation skills, enabling him to resolve matters efficiently while maintaining readiness to litigate when required.

As an Accredited Mediator and Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, Michael can issue Section 60I Certificates.

He conducts mediations across family law, commercial disputes, and business matters, with a focus on early resolution, cost efficiency, and risk management.

Published Decisions and Court Recognition

Michael has been involved in multiple published court decisions, reflecting his experience in complex and contested matters before Australian courts.

Michael’s approach is grounded in the principle articulated by Abraham Lincoln:

“Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser — in fees, expenses, and waste of time. As a peacemaker the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough.”

Clients engage Michael for complex, high-stakes matters where strategic thinking, careful judgment, and strong advocacy are essential.

On a personal level, Michael enjoys the outdoors, adventure, time with his family, and his two legal beagles.