Media Releases

Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers is delighted to welcome the Honourable Michael Walton, formerly a Justice of the NSW Supreme Court’s Common Law Division and a previous President of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission.

Michael will advise on diverse, complex and strategic matters, bringing his wealth of judicial and legal experience developed over close to three decades to support the firm’s clients. This includes appointments as a mediator for a wide range of disputes, as well as practising in industrial, workplace, employment and administrative law, personal injury, tort and other matters.

“We are excited to have Michael join the firm, and proud that he has chosen to embark on the next stage of his career with us, sharing his wisdom both with our clients and our wider team,” said Managing Partner, Hanaan Indari.

“Michael’s unique perspective and wide-ranging expertise position him as a highly sought-after mediator, as Carroll & O’Dea continues to develop a specialist mediation practice. His capabilities will also be of great impact across other matters involving the firm, including advice and litigation.”

“On behalf of the firm, I am extremely pleased to welcome Michael and I look forward to his part in Carroll & O’Dea’s ongoing growth and evolution.”

The firm’s dedication to client service, long history of contributing to access to justice and practical down-to-earth approach were among the factors influencing Michael’s decision to join Carroll & O’Dea.

“There is a natural alignment between my values and the firm’s, and my interest in helping people to work through and resolve complex legal issues and disputes as quickly as they can, in a cost effective and respectful way,” said Michael.

About Michael Walton

The Honourable Michael Walton was a Justice of the NSW Supreme Court, Common Law Division, from 2016 until his retirement on 19 December 2025. In this role, he heard a wide range of major civil and criminal matters, while also continuing to determine employment cases and giving some of the leading decisions in award and statutory interpretation and significant work health and safety matters.

Michael previously served as President of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission from 2014 to 2016, Vice-President from 1998 to 2013, and a Judicial Member of the Industrial Court of NSW from 1998 to 2016. During this time, he played a pivotal role in the conciliation of industrial disputes and was involved in judicial mediation of unfair contract cases.

While a barrister, Michael appeared in numerous significant industrial and employment matters in Courts, including the High Court of Australia, and Tribunals. He was Counsel Assisting in several notable industrial relations inquiries, including in relation to pay equity, and the security and warehousing and distribution industries.

Michael has also provided extensive pro bono legal services internationally, including in Oceania, South Africa, the US and the UK.

Michael’s full profile is available here.

About Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers

Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers provides high quality legal services to clients across Compensation (Personal Injury), Personal services, Community & Associations and Business.

We have offices across the Greater Sydney area, including the Sydney CBD, Parramatta and Campbelltown, in major NSW regional centres including Wollongong, Newcastle and Raymond Terrace, as well as in Melbourne and Hobart, and service Canberra and the surrounding region of the ACT and NSW.

For more information go to www.codea.com.au or contact us on 1800 059 278.

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