Testimonals

“I have been advised by Michael in numerous legal matters over some 30 years ranging from public company issues from initial public offerings, restructures and asset sales, right through to assisting me in personal legal advice in later years.

Michael is an extremely competent lawyer and can bring a brilliant commercial mind to complex leg

“I have been advised by Michael in numerous legal matters over some 30 years ranging from public company issues from initial public offerings, restructures and asset sales, right through to assisting me in personal legal advice in later years.

Michael is an extremely competent lawyer and can bring a brilliant commercial mind to complex legal matters quickly.

He has strong interpersonal skills, is a good listener, empathetic, respectful of other parties, combined with a good sense of humour that has helped resolve many a complex matter.

He is highly regarded in the corporate world and equally from what I understand in the legal profession by colleagues.

I would endorse him as an excellent mediator.”

Robert Purves AM 

Former chair DCA Group Ltd and WWF Australia

“In my role as a senior executive, managing director and now a director of a large public listed company I have worked closely for many years with Michael, our company’s solicitor.

Michael is an excellent corporate and commercial lawyer who has with skill and good judgment handled many large and complex transactions. He has extensive legal

“In my role as a senior executive, managing director and now a director of a large public listed company I have worked closely for many years with Michael, our company’s solicitor.

Michael is an excellent corporate and commercial lawyer who has with skill and good judgment handled many large and complex transactions. He has extensive legal experience dealing with a broad range of people - from large companies to individuals. His work for our company dealt with commercial and corporate matters and also handling claims from emotional and occasionally unreasonable members of the public.

Unusual for such a talented lawyer in the corporate world, Michael's personality is empathetic, warm and calm. He is personable and with a sense of humour, he has diffused and settled countless litigious or contentious or difficult and emotional situations through his understanding of commerce, the law and human nature.

Michael has always shown a sense of fairness and in particular an ability to convince parties to embrace fairness in often very difficult situations. He’s a natural mediator.”

Richard Davis 

Former managing director and non-executive director of InvoCare Limited 

“I have retained Michael Ryan on many occasions as a corporate counsel over the last 30 years. He is a practical and balanced professional who looks to achieve commercial outcomes. I have always been impressed by his ability to analyse complex legal issues and provide sound and practical advice. Michael has that rare combination of attent

“I have retained Michael Ryan on many occasions as a corporate counsel over the last 30 years. He is a practical and balanced professional who looks to achieve commercial outcomes. I have always been impressed by his ability to analyse complex legal issues and provide sound and practical advice. Michael has that rare combination of attention to detail, excellent communication skills, an unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of fairness, equity, and impartiality, all the while keeping the big picture in perspective. These attributes along with an innate ability to connect with people and build rapport, equips him well to act as a mediator and I’m sure he will be successful in that role. I have referred Michael to colleagues on many occasions and I have always had feedback that he achieves excellent outcomes. I have no hesitation in recommending him as a skilled professional who will achieve outstanding results.”

Geoff Brunsdon AM

Chairman

Sims Limited

“Michael Ryan has for many years been a leading corporate lawyer with deep professional experience in commercial life. I worked with Michael for over 20 years as his partner in a leading Sydney law firm. As a commercial litigator, I worked closely with him on many large and complex commercial disputes and have witnessed firsthand his lega

“Michael Ryan has for many years been a leading corporate lawyer with deep professional experience in commercial life. I worked with Michael for over 20 years as his partner in a leading Sydney law firm. As a commercial litigator, I worked closely with him on many large and complex commercial disputes and have witnessed firsthand his legal and interpersonal skills. I have seen him often avoid litigation due to his intelligent, respectful and reasoned approach to disputes.

Michael has intelligence and analytical skills that set him apart. He has a rare ability to swiftly identify key issues, even in highly intricate legal matters. He has an eye for detail and a natural talent for synthesizing complex information, allowing him to provide well-reasoned and easily understood insights. His proficiency in identifying key issues has often played a pivotal role in guiding parties towards effective and lasting solutions.

Michael has exceptional interpersonal skills. Mediation requires a delicate balance of tact, empathy, and assertiveness, and Michael embodies all these qualities effortlessly. He can establish rapport with all parties involved, no matter their station in life, ensuring a conducive and respectful environment for dialogue. Michael's calm and composed demeanour, even during tense moments, instils confidence and trust, encouraging open communication and constructive negotiations.

Michael has always shown professionalism and integrity, ensuring that all parties will have equal opportunities to present their perspectives and interests. I have no doubt that, as a mediator, he will actively encourage dialogue and listen to each participant, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.

As a long-time litigator I wholeheartedly recommend Michael as a mediator. His intelligence, experience and interpersonal skills make him an ideal choice for facilitating negotiations and resolving disputes. Michael's fairness and ability to listen will ensure that any party involved in mediation will receive the highest level of guidance and expertise.”

Stan Lewis (former partner of Corrs)

“I have worked with Michael Ryan for many years and would consider him to have the skills and character to be an excellent mediator. He is an extremely experienced lawyer, calm and rational. Michael is able to look at the issues for both parties and propose commercial, reasonable and pragmatic solutions which lead to the resolution of sta

“I have worked with Michael Ryan for many years and would consider him to have the skills and character to be an excellent mediator. He is an extremely experienced lawyer, calm and rational. Michael is able to look at the issues for both parties and propose commercial, reasonable and pragmatic solutions which lead to the resolution of stalemates and disputes. Michael is able to navigate challenging situations without confrontation and facilitate a resolution where each party feels that the outcome is one that they can live with. Michael is a good listener, he is emotionally intelligent and is able to relate to people across the spectrum of skills and experiences.” 

Trish Williams Head of Legal AU/NZ at Zenobee