Michael Frankel

Michael Frankel, a Partner and founder of Frankel Lawyers, boasts an impressive legal career spanning over 36 years. His primary focus is on Intellectual Property law, with extensive work in film, music, theatre, literature, publishing, and the arts. Michael has also made significant contributions in defamation, employment, administrative, contract, and commercial law. In May 2017, Michael was honoured with the National Arts Community Pro Bono Award, recognising his exceptional support to the arts across Australia. His dedication to the field is evident from his tenure on the Federal Attorney-General’s Copyright Law Review Committee between 1985 and 1995, where he provided crucial advice on developments in Copyright Law, including computer software and Performer’s Protection Copyright. Michael's contributions include advocating for the introduction of Moral Rights protection for authors into the Copyright Act. He is currently a trustee of the national Writers Benevolent Fund and has served as an honorary lawyer to Currency House. His advisory roles extend to organisations like the Australian Screen Director’s Association and the Media and Communications Committee. A former director of the Copyright Agency Ltd, Michael was also a director of The Griffin Theatre Company and played a pivotal role in the Screenrights / Viscopy Working Party on Visual Arts. His influence in the realm of the arts was acknowledged with a Life Membership to the Australian Society of Authors in 2003. Michael's extensive legal expertise is often sought in seminars on legal issues within the film industry and other artistic domains. His litigation work covers Film Distribution and Copyright matters across Australia and Europe. As Corporate Legal Counsel for the Australian Film Commission, he initiated the Film Exemption policy, reducing film financing costs. His advisory work continued across various government bodies and the Federal Department of Communications. Outside his firm, Michael takes on roles as a legal advisor to the Jazzgroove Association and as a board director for several organisations, including Bicycle NSW and the Jewish Arbitration and Mediation Service. His commitment to community and industry development further manifests in his involvement with Car Free Day Australia and the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies. Michael's educational foundation was laid at Monash University, where he earned a BA LLB in Politics, History, and Law. His wealth of knowledge and dedication continues to enrich Frankel Lawyers and the broader legal and arts communities.