William James
Michael Forrest is a distinguished legal professional with extensive experience in the industry. As a Founding Partner at William James since May 2014, Michael has played a pivotal role in the firm's development. Prior to this, Michael served as a Partner at K&L Gates from January 2013 to April 2014 and at Middletons from July 2007 to December 2012, where responsibilities included both partnership and senior associate roles. Earlier career experience includes an Associate position at Cutler Hughes & Harris from April 2004 to March 2007. Academic credentials include a Bachelor of Law (First Class Honours) and a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from the University of Technology, Sydney, obtained from 1998 to 2003.
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William James
William James is a high energy, high performance law firm. We are premium and specialist. We only operate in those areas where we can deliver market leading performance – commercial litigation, insolvency and restructuring. Our lawyers are top class lawyers from the big end of town. By way of example, the firm has been a Leading firm for Insolvency and Restructuring in the Doyles Guide each consecutive year since 2018, and a Recommended firm in Litigation for 2023. Our managing partner, Brendan Wyhoon, has been recognised as one of two highest rated lawyers in Restructuring & Insolvency and Dispute Resolution & Litigation in the Asialaw Leading Lawyer Guide since 2017. Both Brendan and Michael Forrest are recommended as Leading Insolvency & Restructuring Lawyers in the 2018, 2019 and 2020 Doyle’s Guide. Brendan was the winner of the Litigation category for Australia in the 2019 Client Choice Awards and AI Global’s 2020 Leading Adviser Awards has recognised him as well as William James, as the Leading Insolvency and Restructuring Lawyer of the Year, Australia. We are fiercely independent, able to act for and against whoever we choose. We don’t have a front end transactional or finance practice which means we are not beholden to any regulators, corporates or financiers. When we choose to take on a matter, we fully commit to our client’s cause without fear or favour. We only act on significant disputes in the Supreme or Federal court with complex bespoke issues at play where the outcome is often critical to our clients. We strive to be the firm of choice for high performing lawyers, so that we can provide clients access to motivated, exceptional and happy people. Clients notice the difference when working with William James. Ultimately, we love nothing more than working together to deliver outstanding results for our clients.