Michael Batch

Michael Batch is the co-founder and principal of Batch Mewing Lawyers in Brisbane, where he plays a leading role in delivering tailored legal solutions for the construction industry. With nearly two decades of experience in construction law and litigation, Michael offers deep insight into the complexities of construction disputes, advising clients on matters involving multiple parties and a variety of claims such as variations, latent conditions, bank guarantees, and defective works. Michael’s background includes roles at prominent law firms in Australia and the United Kingdom, as well as in-house legal positions with some of Australia’s foremost contractors. This blend of experience equips him with a practical understanding of the operational and commercial dimensions affecting legal risks in major construction projects. His extensive project experience spans significant infrastructure developments in both Australia and the UK, including well-known ventures such as the Clem7 Tunnel, Wembley Stadium, the National Broadband Network, Olympic Dam, North West Rail Link, Gold Coast Light Rail, WestConnex, Gateway Upgrade North, Inland Rail, Defence Projects, along with various educational and high-rise developments. Clients value Michael’s pragmatic and clear approach to dispute resolution and his ability to align legal advice with commercial goals. His expertise in adjudication and litigation is backed by recognition from the Doyles Guide as a leading construction litigator in Queensland. Key project highlights include advising a major mechanical engineering subcontractor on a successful $6 million adjudication related to BHP Billiton’s Caval Ridge Coal Mine expansion, handling contractual disputes for the Wembley Stadium construction, and defending a specialist waste-water treatment contractor in a substantial Supreme Court claim involving an industrial treatment plant near Geelong. Michael’s principal areas of practice are security of payment, litigation and dispute resolution, and commercial and corporate advisory services.