Michael Starkey

Michael's work spans transactional, litigious and advisory matters across all areas of labour of employment. He has particular expertise in the employment aspects of M&A and restructures, employment contracts and contractual disputes, executive level employment issues, cross-jurisdictional employment matters, and termination-related litigation (including advocacy).

Michael has experience across a broad range of industries, including professional services, finance, energy, media, and retail, but his particular emphasis is working with clients in the tech industry, which he values for its innovation, agility, and continual transformation. Michael frequently advises US-based tech companies on establishing employment operations in Australia.

Michael also conducts client education in key areas, including Respect@Work and practical training for people managers.

• Advised multiple multinational technology companies on the AI-driven restructure of their Australian and global workforce, including significant reductions in staff and workforce redesign.
• Acted for an Australian technology company in the enforcement of post-employment restrictions against an employee who departed for a competitor, including a high-value dispute over equity held in the company. Matter settled with favourable outcome.
• Advised a multinational finance company in relation to employee fraud, including seeking and obtaining freezing orders in the Supreme Court of New South Wales.
• Led the Australian employment workstream as part of the Baker McKenzie team acting for (among others) TMX Group in its acquisition of Cboe Australia, AFRY in its acquisition of AMC Consultants, and Tasman Capital in its sale of Serenitas.
• Defended a multinational fintech company and named management respondents in general protections litigation involving a contractual dispute over a significant bonus payment. Matter settled with favourable outcome.
• Advised FremantleMedia in relation to the cessation of the production of Neighbours, including the management of employees and a contractor workforce.

• Australasian Lawyer Rising Star 2021
• Sir Alexander Beattie Prize in Industrial Law (University of Sydney, 2014)
• Harmers Workplace Lawyers Prize for Labour Law (University of Sydney, 2014)
• Harmers Workplace Lawyers Prize for Anti-Discrimination Law (University of Sydney, 2014)

• BakerPride + Allies - Committee Member