About us
Find direction. Navigate challenges. Arrive.
Having a legal problem can feel like embarking on a journey without a map. With MPS Law, you’ll get the guidance you need for even the most complex legal matters.
We provide you with expert, straightforward advice that gives you back control, and puts you on the direct path to your destination.
Our practice areas
What we do
Native Title
Native title organisations and other corporations trust MPS Law for specialist advice on native title and cultural heritage matters, including in relation to mining and renewable energy projects.
Commercial
Organisations large and small come to MPS Law for support and advice on a wide range of commercial needs including litigation, negotiation, corporate compliance and more.
Dispute Resolution
Through negotiation, dispute resolution or mediation, MPS Law aims to resolve challenges as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Pro Bono
Pro bono services are essential for access to justice and, as a signatory to the Pro Bono Target, MPS Law provides pro bono support for special cases.
Get informed
Resources, insights and case studies
Our partners & clients
Who we work with
Testimonials
What our clients say about us
It is rare to find a law firm that understands so well the context of Aboriginal corporations. MPS’ advice was high quality, succinct, in plain English and practical for us to implement. Their staff were responsive and inspired great confidence.
Anna Moulton
Magabala Books
On behalf of the Mitakoodi people, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for the dedication and commitment you have shown throughout the journey toward achieving our Native Title Determination. The expertise, hard work, and passion your team invested into our cause have not gone unnoticed and are deeply appreciated by many of our people. Your guidance and advocacy have been instrumental in this significant achievement, and for that, we are sincerely thankful.
Kristal Chapman
Applicant and Director, Mitakoodi and Mayi native title claim and RNTBC
MPS Law … have been high quality legal advisors to FPMMAC.
Dr Heather Builth
First Peoples of the Millewa Mallee Aboriginal Corporation
Michael has demonstrated a rare blend of ethical integrity, high competency across the full native title spectrum, commitment to quality outcomes for clients.
President Kevin Smith
National Native Title Tribunal
MPS Law has shown us patience and respect as we work towards our ambitions to improve community living standards and services, and create opportunity for our young people.
Maureen Williams
Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC
Michael and his team always deliver high quality, value for money services. They build strong relationships with their Traditional Owner clients and work collaboratively with other parties to find innovative solutions and deliver hard won benefits.
Tony Kelly
First Nations Legal and Research Services
Michael consistently delivers an excellent client experience. He is a trusted advisor who brings empathy, pragmatism and a deep understanding of the challenges and complexities of the native title context.
Claire Saffery
Kimberley Land Council
Michael and his team worked intimately with us to prepare the ILSC for our first ever nomination to be a default PBC on behalf of Native Title Holders. This involved lots of complex materials that required interpretation as the ILSC is not a normal PBC, the team at MPS were excellent, professional and committed throughout the process.
Joe Morrison
Indigenous Land and Sea Council
MPS Law offer a wealth of experience and professionalism in Native Title, which is always delivered in a culturally safe and respectful manner. Michael Pagsanjan’s expert advice and proactive approach to assisting Traditional Owners involved in complex negotiations has been invaluable, and reflects the firm’s commitment to providing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients with the highest quality representation.
Nicole Casley
Native Title Services Goldfields
MPS Law is an innovative legal service, knowledgeable and understanding of Aboriginal cultural protocol…and is committed to achieving [our] goals and future endeavours.
Ian Crombie
Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC
I have found Michael to be very professional, ethical, respectful and collaborative in his approach to achieving outcomes for his clients. Michael brings a practical and pragmatic approach to his advocacy, and is very articulate and well considered in his engagements.
Adam Levin
Jackson McDonald
[The] firm’s collegial approach and congenial manner has also, in my view, greatly assisted the parties reach agreement over timetabling and funding issues.
Ted Besley
Lithic Legal
I never cease to be amazed by the drive and inciteful planning with which Michael contributes day after day to the negotiation process, the well-articulated advice he provides to the Traditional Owner Negotiating Team and his skillful advocacy with the State of Western Australia negotiating team and his easy rapport with the Federal Court Judicial Registrar presiding of the Court mediation process related to the claims.
Greg McIntyre SC
Michael Kirby Chambers
MPS Law has shown an ability to transcend the complexities of State differences in assisting us to navigate an uneven playing field. Widi Mob have no hesitation in recommending MPS Law.
Kathleen Pinkerton
Widi Mob and Yamatji Nation
Michael not only displays a good working knowledge of the relevant law, but also relates well to his clients and continues in what are often difficult circumstances maintaining his professionalism in all situations. I would highly recommend MPS Law.
Paul Case
MLCS Corporate
MPS Law is unique in its ability to match quality legal advice, cultural awareness and collaborative lawyering. It is for this reason that I have had no hesitation in referring people to [this] practice.
Leah Cameron
Marrawah Law
The product provided by MPS Law has been of a uniformly high quality and delivered on time and on budget. In a niche practise area that is (outside the representative body system) too often exploited by firms and practitioners that lose sight of the purpose of the NTA (as explained in its Preamble) in pursuit of financial gain, MPS Law is a beacon of best practise and propriety.
Tim Wishart
Queensland South Native Title Services Ltd
In my view Michael is a voice of reason in the negotiations. He is always fully prepared, and clearly cognisant of his clients’ instructions, and acting in their best interest. His correspondence and legal submissions are clear and concise, and address issues in a constructive way.
Sheila Begg
State Solicitor’s Office Western Australia
We are impressed with the law firm’s effort so far in getting the desired outcome for all Mualgal… MPS Law core values are those that really captured the Mualgal people’s interest and have stood out.
Ioana Manas
Mualgal People
Central Desert found MPS Law’s services to be highly professional and their understanding of and capacity to engage with the matters at hand to be more than adequate for our needs. MPS Law maintained clear and effective communications, were always available and responded promptly to all contact throughout their brief.
Ian Rawlings
Central Desert Native Title Services
Widi Mob at all times found Michael knowledgeable and professional in his interaction with claimant members through his compassion and strong respect for our culture and connection to our country.
Shirley McPherson
Widi Mob and Yamatji Nation
[Michael] has always provided a high quality of work which has always met my needs and those of my clients. He has also been aware of the funding limitations which exist in the native title jurisdiction and has provided value for money often not charging for some of his attendances. I have no hesitation in recommending him as a highly competent provider of legal services.
Tim Wooley
Barrister and Solicitor
Michael is clearly dedicated to the wellbeing of the indigenous people of Australia. No doubt this is often not in his commercial interests. Native title cases ramify legally, politically and socially in ways that other areas of legal practice do not. This means the lawyer involved must deal with the clients on a broad front and adds an unusual and challenging dimension to the practice of the law. It is a credit to Michael’s capacity that he manages these various dimensions deftly whilst maintaining a proper legal perspective on the matter. Happily, Michael is blessed with a caring and personable manner to complement his obvious intellectual capacity.
Anthony Neal KC
List G Barristers
Michael Pagsanjan, the principal of MPS Law, is a pre-eminent native title practitioner with a national practice. In addition to his excellent legal knowledge and forensic skills, he is highly skilled in his dealings with Indigenous clients and capable of obtaining proper (and properly informed) instructions in difficult circumstances. An undoubted strength is his manner and clear compassion in assisting Indigenous people navigate the labyrinth of Australia land law.
David Yarrow SC
List G Barristers
I found them to be knowledgeable, professional, and committed to seeing the job through, despite the myriad of COVID 19-related distractions that were going on at the same time. I would happily work with them again.
Michael Mersiades
Chat Loop
The team at MPS Law have been a pleasure to work with. They took the time to understand my business/industry and were able to quickly draw up an agreement to protect my business. …. If you’re looking for lawyers who’ll understand your business and deliver on time, reach out to Michael and the team.
Tim Taylor
41 Roses
On behalf of our Ibbai Waggan Wiradjuri people, we wish to thank the team at MPS Law for their professional advice and guidance in dealing with our culturally sensitive legal matters.
John Riley
Ibbai Waggan Wiradjuri People
On behalf of our Ibbai Waggan Wiradjuri people, we wish to thank the team at MPS Law for their professional advice and guidance in dealing with our culturally sensitive legal matters.
John Riley
Ibbai Waggan Wiradjuri People
Michael Pagsanjan assisted us with expert advice in the negotiation and execution of a commercial lease. Michael worked alongside us during the negotiations to ensure that we achieved a positive outcome. Importantly, we were able to develop a constructive working relationship with the other party which was a high priority for our ongoing interactions. This type of mediated negotiation, and proactive attitude to resolving issues, was highly effective and was appreciated by everyone involved.
Catherine Baldwin
Ngutu College
It is rare to find a law firm that understands so well the context of Aboriginal corporations. MPS’ advice was high quality, succinct, in plain English and practical for us to implement. Their staff were responsive and inspired great confidence.
Anna Moulton
Magabala Books
On behalf of the Mitakoodi people, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for the dedication and commitment you have shown throughout the journey toward achieving our Native Title Determination. The expertise, hard work, and passion your team invested into our cause have not gone unnoticed and are deeply appreciated by many of our people. Your guidance and advocacy have been instrumental in this significant achievement, and for that, we are sincerely thankful.
Kristal Chapman
Applicant and Director, Mitakoodi and Mayi native title claim and RNTBC
MPS Law … have been high quality legal advisors to FPMMAC.
Dr Heather Builth
First Peoples of the Millewa Mallee Aboriginal Corporation
Michael has demonstrated a rare blend of ethical integrity, high competency across the full native title spectrum, commitment to quality outcomes for clients.
President Kevin Smith
National Native Title Tribunal
MPS Law has shown us patience and respect as we work towards our ambitions to improve community living standards and services, and create opportunity for our young people.
Maureen Williams
Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC
Michael and his team always deliver high quality, value for money services. They build strong relationships with their Traditional Owner clients and work collaboratively with other parties to find innovative solutions and deliver hard won benefits.
Tony Kelly
First Nations Legal and Research Services
Michael consistently delivers an excellent client experience. He is a trusted advisor who brings empathy, pragmatism and a deep understanding of the challenges and complexities of the native title context.
Claire Saffery
Kimberley Land Council
Michael and his team worked intimately with us to prepare the ILSC for our first ever nomination to be a default PBC on behalf of Native Title Holders. This involved lots of complex materials that required interpretation as the ILSC is not a normal PBC, the team at MPS were excellent, professional and committed throughout the process.
Joe Morrison
Indigenous Land and Sea Council
MPS Law offer a wealth of experience and professionalism in Native Title, which is always delivered in a culturally safe and respectful manner. Michael Pagsanjan’s expert advice and proactive approach to assisting Traditional Owners involved in complex negotiations has been invaluable, and reflects the firm’s commitment to providing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients with the highest quality representation.
Nicole Casley
Native Title Services Goldfields
MPS Law is an innovative legal service, knowledgeable and understanding of Aboriginal cultural protocol…and is committed to achieving [our] goals and future endeavours.
Ian Crombie
Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC
I have found Michael to be very professional, ethical, respectful and collaborative in his approach to achieving outcomes for his clients. Michael brings a practical and pragmatic approach to his advocacy, and is very articulate and well considered in his engagements.
Adam Levin
Jackson McDonald
[The] firm’s collegial approach and congenial manner has also, in my view, greatly assisted the parties reach agreement over timetabling and funding issues.
Ted Besley
Lithic Legal
I never cease to be amazed by the drive and inciteful planning with which Michael contributes day after day to the negotiation process, the well-articulated advice he provides to the Traditional Owner Negotiating Team and his skillful advocacy with the State of Western Australia negotiating team and his easy rapport with the Federal Court Judicial Registrar presiding of the Court mediation process related to the claims.
Greg McIntyre SC
Michael Kirby Chambers
MPS Law has shown an ability to transcend the complexities of State differences in assisting us to navigate an uneven playing field. Widi Mob have no hesitation in recommending MPS Law.
Kathleen Pinkerton
Widi Mob and Yamatji Nation
Michael not only displays a good working knowledge of the relevant law, but also relates well to his clients and continues in what are often difficult circumstances maintaining his professionalism in all situations. I would highly recommend MPS Law.
Paul Case
MLCS Corporate
MPS Law is unique in its ability to match quality legal advice, cultural awareness and collaborative lawyering. It is for this reason that I have had no hesitation in referring people to [this] practice.
Leah Cameron
Marrawah Law
The product provided by MPS Law has been of a uniformly high quality and delivered on time and on budget. In a niche practise area that is (outside the representative body system) too often exploited by firms and practitioners that lose sight of the purpose of the NTA (as explained in its Preamble) in pursuit of financial gain, MPS Law is a beacon of best practise and propriety.
Tim Wishart
Queensland South Native Title Services Ltd
In my view Michael is a voice of reason in the negotiations. He is always fully prepared, and clearly cognisant of his clients’ instructions, and acting in their best interest. His correspondence and legal submissions are clear and concise, and address issues in a constructive way.
Sheila Begg
State Solicitor’s Office Western Australia
We are impressed with the law firm’s effort so far in getting the desired outcome for all Mualgal… MPS Law core values are those that really captured the Mualgal people’s interest and have stood out.
Ioana Manas
Mualgal People
Central Desert found MPS Law’s services to be highly professional and their understanding of and capacity to engage with the matters at hand to be more than adequate for our needs. MPS Law maintained clear and effective communications, were always available and responded promptly to all contact throughout their brief.
Ian Rawlings
Central Desert Native Title Services
Widi Mob at all times found Michael knowledgeable and professional in his interaction with claimant members through his compassion and strong respect for our culture and connection to our country.
Shirley McPherson
Widi Mob and Yamatji Nation
[Michael] has always provided a high quality of work which has always met my needs and those of my clients. He has also been aware of the funding limitations which exist in the native title jurisdiction and has provided value for money often not charging for some of his attendances. I have no hesitation in recommending him as a highly competent provider of legal services.
Tim Wooley
Barrister and Solicitor
Michael is clearly dedicated to the wellbeing of the indigenous people of Australia. No doubt this is often not in his commercial interests. Native title cases ramify legally, politically and socially in ways that other areas of legal practice do not. This means the lawyer involved must deal with the clients on a broad front and adds an unusual and challenging dimension to the practice of the law. It is a credit to Michael’s capacity that he manages these various dimensions deftly whilst maintaining a proper legal perspective on the matter. Happily, Michael is blessed with a caring and personable manner to complement his obvious intellectual capacity.
Anthony Neal KC
List G Barristers
Michael Pagsanjan, the principal of MPS Law, is a pre-eminent native title practitioner with a national practice. In addition to his excellent legal knowledge and forensic skills, he is highly skilled in his dealings with Indigenous clients and capable of obtaining proper (and properly informed) instructions in difficult circumstances. An undoubted strength is his manner and clear compassion in assisting Indigenous people navigate the labyrinth of Australia land law.
David Yarrow SC
List G Barristers
I found them to be knowledgeable, professional, and committed to seeing the job through, despite the myriad of COVID 19-related distractions that were going on at the same time. I would happily work with them again.
Michael Mersiades
Chat Loop
The team at MPS Law have been a pleasure to work with. They took the time to understand my business/industry and were able to quickly draw up an agreement to protect my business. …. If you’re looking for lawyers who’ll understand your business and deliver on time, reach out to Michael and the team.
Tim Taylor
41 Roses
On behalf of our Ibbai Waggan Wiradjuri people, we wish to thank the team at MPS Law for their professional advice and guidance in dealing with our culturally sensitive legal matters.
John Riley
Ibbai Waggan Wiradjuri People
On behalf of our Ibbai Waggan Wiradjuri people, we wish to thank the team at MPS Law for their professional advice and guidance in dealing with our culturally sensitive legal matters.
John Riley
Ibbai Waggan Wiradjuri People
Michael Pagsanjan assisted us with expert advice in the negotiation and execution of a commercial lease. Michael worked alongside us during the negotiations to ensure that we achieved a positive outcome. Importantly, we were able to develop a constructive working relationship with the other party which was a high priority for our ongoing interactions. This type of mediated negotiation, and proactive attitude to resolving issues, was highly effective and was appreciated by everyone involved.
Catherine Baldwin
Ngutu College
It is rare to find a law firm that understands so well the context of Aboriginal corporations. MPS’ advice was high quality, succinct, in plain English and practical for us to implement. Their staff were responsive and inspired great confidence.