Michael Pagsanjan is the founder and principal of MPS Law, renowned for his significant contributions to native title and cultural heritage law in Australia. With over 16 years of dedicated experience, Michael is committed to delivering ethical, culturally respectful, and strategic legal solutions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. His approach is characterised by deep legal insight combined with practical, solution-focused advice, consistently achieving meaningful and long-lasting outcomes. Among his notable accomplishments are leading Australia’s first native title compensation consent determination and negotiating the landmark Yamatji Nation settlement. These achievements highlight his dedication to advancing the rights and interests of First Nations peoples. As a Federal Court-approved external native title mediator and a nationally accredited mediator, Michael skillfully facilitates sensitive negotiations and provides strategic advice to directors and CEOs of Aboriginal corporations on matters of native title, governance, compliance, and risk management. Michael’s expertise extends to negotiating complex native title and mining agreements, supporting Aboriginal health and education organisations, and guiding clients through regulatory challenges. His excellence in the legal profession is evident through accolades such as Native Title Partner of the Year from Lawyers Weekly in 2023 and inclusion in Doyle’s Guide and Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific. Before founding MPS Law, Michael played significant roles in the native title and not-for-profit sectors and gained valuable experience at a major commercial law firm. His commitment to social justice and First Nations self-determination is evident in his service as a director at Nexus Arts and the Australian Refugee Association. Michael holds a Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice with Honours and a Bachelor of International Studies from Flinders University. He has further enhanced his skills with qualifications from prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School, RMIT University, and the Australian Mediation Association. Outside of his professional life, Michael is a devoted father to three young children and enjoys outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and camping, as well as volunteering at local sporting clubs.
Director
Australian Refugee Association Inc
Oct 2019 - May 2021 • 1 year 7 months
Director
Nexus Arts
Jun 2019 - May 2021 • 1 year 11 months
Managing Director and Principal
MPS Law
Apr 2016 - Present • 10 years 7 months
Senior Legal Officer
South Australian Native Title Services
Jan 2010 - Apr 2016 • 6 years 3 months
Solicitor
DLA Piper
Jun 2009 - Jan 2010 • 7 months
Management Essentials
Harvard Business School
2020 - 2020
Digital Leadership
RMIT University
2020 - 2020
Negotiation Course
Scotwork Negotiating Skills
2020 - 2020
Certificate in Cross Sector Partnering
CQ University
2019 - 2019
Graduate of Company Directors Course
Australian Institute of Company Directors
2019 - 2019
National Accreditation as Mediator
Australian Mediation Association
2017 - 2017
Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice
Flinders University
2004 - 2008
Bachelor of International Studies
Flinders University
2004
Young Lawyer Of The Year 2018 Award Winner; Justice Award 2024 Winner; Emerging Lawyer 2024 Finalist
Law Society Of South Australia
Partner Of The Year 2025 - Native Title Finalist
Lawyers Weekly
Partner Of The Year 2023 - Native Title Winner
Lawyers Weekly
Native Title Partner of the Year
Lawyers Weekly
Partner Of The Year 2021 - Native Title, Planning and Environment Finalist
Lawyers Weekly
Partner Of The Year 2021 - Pro Bono Finalist
Lawyers Weekly
Recognised in Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific
Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific
Finalist for Managing Partner of the Year
Lawyers Weekly
Young Lawyer of the Year
Law Society of South Australia
Recognised in Doyle’s Guide
Doyle’s Guide
Last checked: 18 Mar 2026 • Checked with Law Society of South Australia
