About
Michael Maguire. A skilled, empathetic and experienced Brisbane Mediator.
Michael is passionate about guiding separating couples to find their own resolution in a timely and cost effective way, avoiding expensive and lengthy legal proceedings.
Michael guides separating couples through the mediation process with respect and dignity. He has a calm and non-judgmental manner. He is skilled in the mediation process – guiding negotiation, exploring issues central to the conflict and promoting communication.
Areas we service
Michael regularly provides Family mediation and Property mediation services in Brisbane and throughout South East Queensland including Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and surrounding regional areas.
He will also travel interstate and to more distant regional areas on request.
Other Mediation Services
Michael is also experienced in providing mediation services to resolve disputes about issues other than family separation. These typically include:
- Workplace disputes: Settling disputes in the workplace.
- Wills and estates: Settling disputes about the allocation of assets through intestacy and wills.
- Elder disputes: Usually between elders and various family members.
- Clubs and Associations: Disputes between members or members and the executive or board.
- Landholder disputes with mining companies: Where a Mining company seeks access to a landowners property for mineral and gas exploration and mining.
In Mediation, experience is an advantage
Experience
- Judicial Registrar (Sessional) with the FCFCOA
- Previous long term practice as a Family Lawyer
- Property settlement mediation
- Parenting (including child inclusive mediation)
- Child focused – works to achieve the best possible outcomes for children involved
- Accredited FDRP
- Advanced level mediation skills
- Recommended by family lawyers
- Mediation experience in New Zealand & Australia
- Member – Resolution Institute
- Member – Family Law Section New Zealand & Australia
Qualifications
- Solicitor, Queensland, 1980
- Graduate Diploma of Education
- Master of Laws, University of Queensland, 1991
- Dispute Resolution Centre – Mediation Certificate, Bond University, 1992
- Mediator of Disputes Certificate, Queensland Law Society, 2006
- Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution, QUT, 2014
- Nationally Accredited Mediator, 2014
- Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP), Federal Attorney General’s Dept, 2015
Volunteer Work & Governance
TASC National Ltd (The Advocacy & Support Centre) – Past Director and Chair
- Board member since 2006
- Awarded Honorary Life Membership of TASC
Michael’s work on the Board of TASC National was a long-term undertaking. Michael believes that the role of the organisation is vital to the continued health of the community in Toowoomba and the South West. During the time that he was involved, the service developed from a small volunteer legal service to a large multi-faceted organisation delivering varied and vital advocacy and support services to the community.
NEDA (National Ethnic Disability Alliance) Councillor & Executive member: Treasurer (2016-2023)
NEDA is the national peak organisation representing the rights and interests of people living with disability, their families and carers, from culturally and linguistically diverse and non-English speaking backgrounds. In 2023 Michael was awarded the NEDA Medal for his longstanding service and commitment to NEDA and its vision.
To read NEDA’s recent newsletters and campaigns please click here.
Professional Memberships
Not sure where to start?
Michael is happy to talk to you, even if you just have a few questions on the mediation process. Call 0419 679 779
Executive Administrator - Kristal Gill
Kristal joined Private Mediation in August 2018 as our Executive Administrator. She has over 18 years’ experience in the legal industry as a paralegal and previously worked directly alongside Michael during his family lawyer days. Kristal has worked across several legal disciplines as well as management and marketing, while the majority of her 18 years’ experience has been spent as a respected family law paralegal. Her extensive knowledge of, and interest in, family law makes Kristal a vital part of Private Mediation. She understands the importance for separating couples to resolve their issues amicably and using a fair process.
Kristal is friendly and down-to-earth. Her positive approach and enthusiasm for doing her job well often helps our clients to smile again.
Outside the office, Kristal is a mum to three lovely children. She loves cooking, playing a round of golf and travelling.
“Michael has a great work ethic. He is empathetic and has a very calm, reassuring demeanour. He is also very knowledgeable about the relevant legal issues in family law disputes. Michael also offers great value for money. I believe Michael to be a very skilled mediator and would highly recommend his services to clients and colleagues alike.”
CLEWETT LAWYERS