Michael Allen

Michael Allen specialises in criminal law, regulatory proceedings, inquests, and inquiries.

Criminal Law

Michael practises in all areas of criminal law. He is regularly briefed in complex and serious criminal proceedings, including cases concerning corruption, misconduct in public office, secret commissions, white-collar fraud, and homicide. He regularly accepts briefs to advise. He holds an Indictable Crime Certificate and is on the VLA Criminal Trial Preferred Barrister List.

Regulatory Proceedings

Michael has significant experience in advising and appearing in regulatory proceedings. He has been briefed in such proceedings for private individuals, corporations, and government departments and agencies.

His experience includes acting (both for and against regulators) in proceedings and actions instituted by a range of government and statutory authorities, including: the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) for contraventions of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth); the Environment Protection Authority (EPA); Victorian WorkCover Authority (WorkSafe); Energy Safe Victoria (ESV); the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC); the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (Vic); the NSW Department of Education; PrimeSafe Victoria; and various municipal councils. He provides advice on statutory interpretation and enforcement issues in relation to regulatory regimes.

Royal Commissions, inquiries, inquests, and disciplinary proceedings

Michael also has significant experience acting as counsel in inquests, inquires, and professional disciplinary proceedings. His experience includes having been briefed to advise and/or appear in the following investigatory and inquisitorial settings:

• The Royal Commission into the Management of Police Informants (one of Counsel Assisting the Commission);
• The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) (counsel for witnesses / parties in both public and private hearings);
• Board of Inquiry into the COVID-19 Hotel Quarantine Program;
• The AFL commissioned Independent Inquiry into allegations of inappropriate conduct at the Hawthorn Football Club;
• Inquests before the Coroners Court of Victoria;
• Investigations conducted by the Victorian Ombudsman;
• Workplace investigations into alleged misconduct; and
• Professional conduct inquiries and disciplinary proceedings.

Background

Prior to signing the Bar Roll, Michael was a solicitor at Galbally & O’Bryan.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctor from the University of Melbourne.

Michael read with Andrew Woods KC, who specialises in administrative and commercial law, and Scott Johns SC (now his Honour Judge Johns), who specialised in criminal law.