Michael Rickards

Michael Rickards is the founding member of Rickards Legal, having been admitted to practice in 1981. Since establishing the firm in 1983, Michael has operated from the same premises, providing consistent and reliable legal services over the decades. In 1993, Michael was recognised by the Law Institute of Victoria for his expertise in commercial litigation. Throughout his career, he has represented a diverse client base in a broad spectrum of matters, including complex commercial disputes, family law issues, and criminal cases. His extensive experience in dispute resolution is a hallmark of his practice, where he emphasises strategic negotiation to achieve successful outcomes and minimise the need for costly legal proceedings. Michael approaches negotiation not merely as a means to secure an advantage, but as an opportunity to develop constructive, mutually beneficial solutions. He focuses on delivering practical answers and solutions tailored to the client’s needs. Achieving the best and most cost-effective outcome is central to his work, requiring a thorough evaluation of each client’s circumstances and a careful analysis of the most effective strategy. As principal of Rickards Legal, Michael oversees all aspects of the practice, providing leadership, consultation, and supervision across the firm. This role affords him a comprehensive understanding of the legal challenges faced by his clients and ensures he remains closely involved with every matter. Michael’s areas of practice include litigation and dispute resolution, negotiation, mediations, alternative dispute resolution processes, and debt recovery. He handles a wide range of commercial disputes and insolvency matters, including bankruptcy proceedings and personal insolvency agreements. His estate-related work encompasses drafting wills, powers of attorney, probate, deceased estates administration, and family maintenance claims under Part IV, including challenges based on undue influence or lack of capacity. He also advises on elder law matters, such as nursing home agreements, administration of living estates, and guardianship applications, including representation at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). Michael’s expertise extends to commercial and retail leases, estate planning, residential and commercial property transactions, land subdivisions, and applications for stamp duty exemptions. On the criminal law front, Michael represents clients in police charge matters, motor traffic offences, demerit points issues, and court appearances, including trials and appeals. Family law forms another significant part of his practice, where he provides advice and representation in all legal proceedings related to marriage and de facto relationships, including agreements made at commencement or dissolution. Additionally, Michael advises on business structuring, bank loan documentation, guarantees, solicitor’s certificates, and negotiates a variety of legal and commercial agreements. His broad and in-depth experience allows him to offer practical and effective legal solutions across multiple areas, always with the client’s best interests in mind.