Mike Hayes is a nationally recognised commercial litigation and dispute resolution lawyer with a strong focus on insolvency, recoveries and restructuring. He is sought after for his ability to guide clients through complex disputes with clarity, strategic insight and commercially grounded advice.
Mike’s practice spans the full spectrum of personal and corporate insolvency, restructuring and asset recovery. He acts for liquidators, receivers and trustees in matters ranging from urgent asset preservation to large-scale recoveries, and regularly represents company directors in defending insolvent trading claims. He also advises creditors pursuing or defending voidable transaction claims, often in matters with significant commercial and reputational stakes.
As President of the Australian Restructuring Insolvency & Turnaround Association (ARITA), Mike plays a key role in shaping best practice and policy within the profession. This leadership position reflects both his technical authority and his deep engagement with the national insolvency and restructuring community.
His achievements have been recognised through multiple industry accolades, including Best Lawyers Australia, Doyle’s Guide and the Legal 500, highlighting his standing among peers and his commitment to excellence.
Mike’s work is characterised by a commitment to achieving practical and commercial outcomes while maintaining the highest professional standards.
Mike joined Keypoint Law in 2025 and is based in Adelaide.
Expertise
- Arbitration
- Banking & Finance Litigation
- Commercial Disputes
- Construction Litigation
- Debt recovery
- Dispute Resolution & Litigation
- Governance & Risk
- Regulatory Compliance & Investigations
- Restructuring & Insolvency
Recognition
Mike’s award recognitions include:
- Legal 500 Asia-Pacific – Recommended for Restructuring and Insolvency, 2019 – 2023 editions
- Legal 500 Asia-Pacific – Recommended and Key lawyer for Restructuring and Insolvency – 2024 edition
- Doyle’s Guide – Recommended for Leading Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution Lawyers – South Australia, 2021 – 2023 and 2025 editions
- Doyle’s Guide – Recommended for Leading Insolvency & Restructuring Lawyers – South Australia, 2021 – 2025 editions
- Best Lawyers Australia – Recognised for Alternative Dispute Resolution – 2025 – 2026 editions
- Best Lawyers Australia – Recognised for Insolvency and Reorganisation Law – 2025 – 2026 editions
- Best Lawyers Australia – Recognised for Commercial Law – 2025 – 2026 editions
Mike’s memberships include:
- Australian Institute of Company Directors – Graduate
- Australian Restructuring Insolvency & Turnaround Association
- President
- Director, Board and Executive member
- AFSA Liaison Committee (Deputy Chair)
- ASIC Liaison Committee (Deputy Chair)
- ASIC/AFSA Joint Liaison Committee (Chair)
- SA/NT Division Committee (Former Chair)
- Law Council – Business Law Section, Insolvency
- Law Society – Federal Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Federal Court Liaison
- South Australian Rugby Union Referees Association
- Member (President’s award for outstanding contribution 2016, 2021 and 2023)
- Admitted to practice in Australia (NSW&SA), England and Wales and South Africa
Mike has a B.Juris, LLB, M(Com) Law and a Graduate Certificate in Insolvency and Restructuring.
Career
| Present | Keypoint Law | Consulting Principal |
| 2016 – 2025 | Piper Alderman | Partner |
| 2008 – 2016 | Lynch Meyer Lawyers| Partner |
| 2006 – 2008 | Cosoff Cudmore Knox | Senior Associate |
| 1999 – 2004 | Schoerie, Hayes & MacPherson (South Africa) | Partner |