Michael McLaws

Michael D. McLaws is a distinguished Australian and Canadian lawyer and the founder of Latitude Legal Group. His journey began in Alberta, Canada, where he engaged in classic Canadian pastimes like hockey and snowboarding. His fascination with aviation and a background in geography piqued his interest in global exploration, ultimately bringing him to Australia in 2009 for a new legal chapter. Michael's career spans two continents and over two decades, during which he has adeptly guided complex organisations and public entities through dynamic changes. His early career in land and resource management laid the groundwork for his legal pursuits. In his legal career, he honed his skills with top-tier firms in Brisbane, Calgary, and Sydney. As a dual-qualified lawyer and certified Project Management Professional, Michael boasts an impressive portfolio of roles across sectors such as construction, energy, mining, public sector, and regulatory bodies. His extensive in-house counsel experience includes positions with multinational corporations and public sector institutions like EQUANS, Rio Tinto, Seqwater, and IBM. Michael’s legal acumen is matched by his understanding of the intricacies faced by expatriates and globally mobile families, having navigated similar challenges himself. His expertise extends to visas, immigration issues, and cross-border assets, offering invaluable insights to clients planning relocations or managing international legal matters. At Latitude Legal Group, Michael specialises in assisting businesses, individuals, and families in navigating the complexities of legal systems in Australia and Canada. His practical, precise advice stems from lived experience, both personally and professionally, allowing him to transform complexity into clarity for his clients. His credentials are extensive, including being a Principal Solicitor with the Queensland Law Society and a Barrister and Solicitor with the Law Society of Alberta. He also holds a Master of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Queensland. Through Latitude Legal Group, Michael continues to deliver bespoke legal services, ensuring every client receives grounded, real-world advice enriched by his extensive cross-border experience.