Purpose-led,
results driven

Purpose-led, results driven

About us

About us

Our story

We’re passionate in social justice and making the law as simple as possible.

In its mission to get you where you need to go, MPS Law has become a driver of change for purpose-led and commercial clients across Australia.

Michael Pagsanjan founded MPS Law in 2016 with the goal of providing no nonsense, high quality advice and fighting for what’s right, with clear and cost-effective pricing. 

As our firm has continued to rapidly grow, the team’s purpose to provide exceptional, respectful and trusted services have remained the same. This is true whether working with the leaders of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations, company CEOs and senior managers, or small business owners.

MPS Law celebrates the success of its clients, developing and maintaining a strong track record and credibility both in the legal industry and wider community. Among the many achievements large and small so far, MPS Law advised and negotiated the landmark Yamatji Nation settlement, worth over $400 million, and made public at a consent determination on 7 February 2020. 

We specialise in our practice areas because we are committed to standing up for what is just.

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

Our team

Industry leading problem solvers

Industry leading problem solvers

Led by Michael Pagsanjan, our team has the expertise to help you get to where you want to go. 

Michael Pagsanjan

Principal

Michael Pagsanjan is recognised as one of Australia’s leaders in native title law. 

Michael is listed as a Federal Court approved native title mediator and is a nationally accredited mediator with extensive mediation experience. He is also a trained strategic partnering expert, a skilled negotiator and a governance and risk specialist.

Michael has a proven track record of delivering exceptional results, in both the corporate sector and when acting for various Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and corporations in relation to native title and cultural heritage. This has included the negotiation of complex agreements between traditional owners and various stakeholders, the resolution of several native title claims.

Prior to founding MPS Law, Michael held in-house roles in the not-for-profit sector and also worked at an international commercial law firm, playing an important role in its administrative law and judicial review team.

Michael is highly regarded in the Australian legal industry. Michael is a winner  in the Partner of the Year Awards and a finalist in the Australian Law Awards. Michael is also ranked among the top lawyers in the Doyle’s Guide and Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific Guide.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Honours) and a Bachelor of International Studies. He also has certificates in leadership (RMIT University), cross-sector partnering (CQ University) and management (Harvard Business School). In addition, Michael is a graduate and member of the Australian Mediation Association, Australian Institute of Company Directors and Scotwork Negotiation.

Georgina Reid

Partner

Georgina has over 25 years of native title experience, with unique insights in native title policy and practice, having worked in private practice, a Native Title Representative Body and for the State Government. Georgina was the Executive Solicitor for Native Title in the South Australian Crown Solicitor’s Office, leading the native title resolutions and negotiations in South Australia since 2013. Prior to being the Executive Solicitor, Georgina was the Senior Solicitor and Senior Negotiator with the Crown Solicitor’s Office. Between 2001 and 2005, Georgina worked at Torres Strait Regional Authority, including as the Principal Legal Officer. Between 1997 and 2001, Georgina was part of the Commercial Team at Johnston Withers.

Georgina was admitted to practice in 1998 and has a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from Adelaide University. She has a strong track record of continual professional development, including competing courses and accreditations in mediation, management, advocacy, and leadership.

Georgina has extensive negotiation and agreement making skills as well as exceptional leadership skills. In 2024, Georgina was a finalist in the Law Society of South Australia’s Justice Award, recognising her contributions to the profession. 

Helen Orr

Senior Lawyer

Helen was previously a Senior Solicitor at NTSCORP Limited, the Native Title Service Provider for NSW and the ACT. She worked for several years at NTSCORP, acting for native title claimants and RNTBCs. This broad practice included multiple future act negotiations, discreet compensation claims, ILUA negotiations, corporate governance advice, court work including interlocutory proceedings, and general native title advice. Recent experience includes the consent determination of Bandjalang People No 3 v Attorney-General of New South Wales [2021] FCA 386, conciliation in Bandjalang People v Transport for NSW [2020] NSWLEC 1008 and public interest litigation in Santos NSW Pty Ltd and Another v Gomeroi People and Another [2022] NNTTA 74 in relation to the Narrabri Gas Project.

Prior to NTSCORP, Helen worked as a Law Clerk for over three years at Kelso Lawyers, a law firm specialising in compensation claims for survivors of institutional childhood abuse.

Helen has a Bachelor of International and Global Studies from the University of Sydney and a Juris Doctor, with the University of New South Wales. In 2023, Helen was listed in Doyle’s Guide as a Leading Native Title Lawyer – Government & Traditional Owner Bodies. In 2024, Helen was a finalist in the Law Society of South Australia’s Emerging Lawyer Award. 

Reade Allison

Senior Lawyer

Reade brings a broad range of skills, international experience and insight to MPS Law clients.

Reade has completed accreditation as a mediator. He is admitted to the Supreme Court of South Australia and has a triple degree in Bachelor of Law (LLB), Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Language, at the University of Adelaide. Reade has a particular specialty in commercial law relevant to Aboriginal Corporations and has presented on native title compensation. 

Reade completed an exchange at Peking University in Beijing and has completed internships through the Aurora Program with the Northern Land Council and with MPS Law.

Reade has also volunteered at the Roma Mitchell Community Legal Centre. Reade is fluent in Mandarin and German and is the recipient of several university awards for his study. 

In 2022 and 2024, Reade was shortlisted as a finalist in the Lawyers Weekly 30 under 30 awards. In 2023, Reade  was recognised as a native title Rising Star in Doyle’s Guide. 

Ross Mackay

Legal Consultant

Ross has a decade of experience advocating for the interests of a broad range of clients in native title matters.  

Over this time, Ross has had success conducting negotiations between traditional owners and resource companies, collecting evidence for native title claims, conducting litigation to protect sites of cultural significance and advising communities seeking to protect their local environment. 

Ross has worked in the native title representative body system, for commercial law firms and in the not-for-profit sector. 

Ross is a former Chair and Secretary of the NSW Young Lawyers Environment and Planning Law Committee, and was the Young Lawyers representative to the NSW Law Society Indigenous Issues Committee.

Ross holds a Master of Laws (Mineral Law and Policy) awarded with Distinction, a Master of Philosophy (Law), a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Science (Chemistry).

Brianna Neumann

Team Leader

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Brianna is a highly experienced paralegal and legal assistant focused on maintaining the highest quality of work.

In over seventeen years, Brianna has spent significant time focused on Federal and High Court immigration and administrative work.

She previously worked with international law firms including DLA Piper and Sparke Helmore, where responsibilities included coordinating administrative teams and managing a high volume of work. 

Brianna previously managed her own successful business partnership providing outsourced Federal Law cost negotiations and interpretations for the Government sector of DLA Piper Australia.  

Deanna Najjar

Office and Accounts Manager

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Deanna has over 17 years legal secretarial and administrative support experience with law firms in Adelaide. This includes roles at KC Lawyers, Minter Ellison and in Native Title law at Mellor Olsson lawyers.

Deanna has extensive experience in preparing and filing legal documents within different jurisdictions in South Australia. She has excellent time management skills and is a multi-tasker. Deanna has high attention to detail in all work she does.

Deanna brings a positive attitude and pleasant disposition to MPS Law. In her spare time, Deanna has her hands full with her four children!

Alissa Bishop-Thorpe

Lawyer

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Alissa has extensive legal and native title experience. Her most recent role was as a Paralegal at Arma Legal performing a range of duties in native title such as coordinating solicitor attendances, document review, attendance at tribunal hearings, preparation of financial reports, drafting and reviewing legal documents, minute taking and legal research. Alissa was previously employed as a Legal Officer at South Australian Native title Services, working on native title claims and with Aboriginal corporations.

Alissa has a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours, University of Adelaide), Bachelor of Laws (Honours, University of Adelaide) and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (Law Society of South Australia). She is currently studying a Master of Laws (Adelaide University). During her studies. Alissa was awarded with a Dean’s Certificate (2019) and the Adelaide Graduate Award (2018) from the University of Adelaide.

Alysha Latham

Legal Secretary

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Alysha has experience in a variety of administrative roles, including as a legal secretary for the past seven years. Her most recent role was a legal secretary at Maleys Barristers and Solicitors in Darwin. Prior to that, Alysha worked as Legal Secretary at CPAdjusting/QCH Legal in London. She has also worked as a receptionist and legal secretary with ASW Lawyers and Mahoney’s Lawyers in Mount Gambier.

Alysha holds a Certificate III in Business.

Maddy Allchurch

Paralegal

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Maddy was previously a Sustainability Consultant at Circular Energy Group and a Student Legal Advisor at the Magistrates Legal Advice Service. Maddy has completed an Environmental Policy Internship at the Department of Environment and Water. In her studies, Maddy received several awards, including the 2024 New Columbo Plan Mobility Grant Recipient, involving a study tour to Malaysia to study Indigenous land management. She also won the 2023 Adelaide University Law School Society negotiation competition and was a representative for Adelaide University at the Australian Law Students Association Negotiations Competition.

Maddy is in her final six months of her law degree along with a Bachelor of Environmental Policy and Management from the University of Adelaide. 

How do we charge?

We deliver real value for money,
with no hidden surprises

We deliver real value for money, with no hidden surprises

As a law firm, we pride ourselves on delivering value for money with no costly surprises. 

This starts with clear communication, so you know exactly what to expect.

Our usual process is to:

  • Have an initial discussion about your needs, at no cost to you
  • If you decide to engage our services, provide a formal letter outlining the terms of our work and expectations
  • Provide fixed fee services, particularly for corporations with a specific project, where we provide flexible fixed fee packages tailored to the specific needs of the matter
  • Reduced rates for native title claimants, native title service providers or representative bodies
  • Provide pro bono services in special circumstances.

If you have questions or would like more detail, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us to discuss.