Barrister – Solicitor – Public Notary
Email: mj@januslawyers.com.au
LinkedIn: Connect with Michael
Michael Janus established Janus Lawyers in 2002, following an extensive career with a number of leading law firms, where he held roles as partner and managing partner.
Michael was admitted to practice in 1978. He was articled from 1974 to the Crown Solicitor, Mr LK Gordon SM, and later the Honourable GC Prior QC, who was subsequently appointed a Supreme Court Judge. Following his admission, Michael was an Associate to the Honourable LT Olsson, then President of the SA Industrial Court and Commission, who was also subsequently appointed a Supreme Court Judge. Michael was admitted as a Public Notary in 1996. He was registered as a Migration Agent in 1993. He obtained his Master of Laws degree in 1994.
Michael has worked actively within the Law Society to represent all practitioners, including those in small practice, with a focus on legislative and regulatory reform, the Rule of Law and the separation of powers, and affordable Access to Justice.
Michael is a current Council Member of the Law Society of SA since 2008 (also 1995 to 1999) and was a member of its Executive from 2009 to 2010. His commitment to the development of the law and the profession (and pro-bono activity) includes through his involvement in numerous professional and industry bodies, including:
- Chair, Small Practice Committee since 2004 (member since 2002)
- Chair, Civil Litigation Committee (1993 to 1998)
- Ex-officio member, Joint Rules Advisory Committee, Supreme and District Courts (1994 to 1999)
- Member, Law Claims Committee since 2000
- Member, Accident Compensation Committee since 1993
- Executive member, Australian Lawyers Alliance since 2013 (member since 2002)
- Executive member, Australian Institute of Judicial Administration (1998)
- Reporter, South Australian State Reports (1996 to 2001)
- Chairman, Western Area Business Enterprise Centre Board (1997 to 2000)
- Member, BEC SA Inc Board (1997 to 2003)
- Member, Repatriation Hospital Research & Ethics Committee (1994 to 1999)
- Member, Port Adelaide & Enfield Chamber of Commerce (1996 to 1999)
Michael’s practice areas have included personal injury, administrative review, commercial litigation, immigration law, industrial law, insurance law, professional negligence, trade practices and consumer protection, bankruptcy and insolvency. He has acted as solicitor and counsel in the Magistrates, Youth, Coroners, District and Supreme Courts, Workers Compensation Tribunal and South Australian Employment Tribunal, Federal Court and High Court. Many finalised outcomes have been achieved successfully through Mediation.
Having previously acted for the prosecution, in the 1980’s Michael had a Criminal law practice in which he acted as defence counsel on criminal trials in superior courts. He continues to represent clients on Guilty submissions.
Michael has and remains actively involved in the community and has been involved in a number of not-for-profit and charitable organisations, including:
- Member, Red Cross Blood Transfusion Management Advisory Service (1996 to 1997)
- Member, Red Cross Blood Divisional Council (2000 to 2001)
- Member, Red Cross International Humanitarian Law Committee (2001 to 2003)
- Member, Loreto College Board/Council (1993 to 2001)
- Chair and Member, Loreto College Finance Committee (1993 to 2001)
- President, Norwood Symphony Orchestra (2005 to 2008)
Michael is an avid cyclist and continues to be a member of the ‘Law Society & Courts SA’ cycling team participating in the annual BUPA Challenge, as part of the Tour Down Under.