Michael Heron QC is a leading QC in commercial and regulatory litigation and arbitrations. He is one of New Zealand’s leading QCs and is a trusted legal advisor to New Zealand businesses, government entities, and public bodies.

He has appeared as lead counsel in all New Zealand Courts (including the Privy Council) and has conducted significant commercial arbitrations for both the Crown and corporate clients. In 2018, Michael was a founding member of Britomart Chambers, where he currently practises alongside some of New Zealand’s best legal minds.

Michael was formerly New Zealand’s Solicitor General, meaning that he ran and oversaw the Crown Law Office and played a key constitutional role in protecting New Zealand’s legal system and providing advice to all arms of government. Michael’s experience as Solicitor-General included advising on a full range of legal matters to Ministers and Chief Executives. He appeared before Select Committees and in a range of Tribunals, including the Waitangi Tribunal.

Michael has extensive advocacy experience, including appearing as counsel in Royal Commissions and inquiries such as the Pike River Mine Tragedy Royal Commission and the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission. He continues to represent the Crown and public bodies in a range of commercial and regulatory matters. He maintains security clearance (top-secret special) with NZSIS and is panel counsel for the Serious Fraud Office.

Michael is a judicial officer for New Zealand Rugby and SANZAAR, he is National Commissioner for New Zealand Cricket and a member of the International Cricket Council Code of Conduct Commission and Disputes Resolution Committee.

Michael’s expertise and body of work is diverse and wide ranging. As well as acting for clients in disputes, Michael has completed a number of independent reviews and inquiries.

In 2016 Michael founded an online dispute resolution service called CODR to provide better access to justice. CODR is a leader in the online dispute resolution space, and also provides people with the tools to complete their own bespoke relationship property and separation agreements.