Presenters

Miguel Belmar Salas, Barrister, Green’s List
Since coming to the Bar in 2002, Miguel Belmar has developed a practice in all aspects of land use law including: Town planning; Local government; Compulsory acquisition; Planning scheme amendments; Prosecutions/enforcement; and Environment protection. Miguel has appeared for, and advised local councils, water authorities, objectors and proponents. He also writes the blog http://townplanningbarrister.wordpress.com that provides case summaries and commentary on land development matters decided by VCAT and the courts. Miguel is also experienced in conducting matters involving contractual disputes both in a commercial and workplace context. This has included representing clients appearing before disciplinary tribunals. He is also has significant experience in conducting common law proceedings arising from transport and workplace accidents. He is a member of the Victorian Football Federation Tribunal that hears and determines matters involving infringements of the rules of soccer. Miguel is also a member of the Victorian Bar Student Engagement Committee as well as the Bar's Equality & Diversity Committee. In 2010 he became a nationally accredited mediator and he conducts mediations in his chosen fields of practice.

Michael Barnes, Senior Legal Counsel, Carroll & O’Dea
Michael’s depth of experience, ability to get to the heart of an issue and communication skills put him at the top of employment & industrial law and personal injury. Michael is recognised in the profession as a leading practitioner in these practice areas and is accredited by the NSW Law Society in employment & industrial law and personal injury. He has served on a variety of committees of the Law Society, including as part of the peer review process by which solicitors become accredited specialists in employment and industrial Law. He has been a partner at Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers since 2013 where he has a busy practice handling matters from a diversity of clients from all areas of New South Wales. Key Professional Achievements: Michael completed a Bachelor of Economics and a Bachelor of Laws in 1975 and 1977 (respectively) from the University of Sydney. He completed a Masters of Laws at Sydney University while working in legal practice.