Renowned insolvency expert Michael Makridakis joins Taylor David

Michael Makridakis has joined Taylor David as a Partner, enhancing the firm's capability in handling complex, multi-jurisdictional insolvency and restructuring cases.

Taylor David is a prominent financial services, insolvency, and restructuring law firm.

With over 20 years of experience in insolvency, restructuring, and commercial litigation, including more than 15 years in the Cayman Islands and Hong Kong, Makridakis brings a wealth of international expertise to the firm. His client portfolio includes large international investment funds and publicly traded corporations. Although Makridakis will practise Australian law at Taylor David, his extensive international background will be an asset in the global business environment.

Scott Taylor, Founding Partner of Taylor David, said, "It's extremely rare for someone of Michael's calibre to return to Australia after so long working internationally, so we are delighted to welcome him to Taylor David." He continued, "His experience in dealing with complex litigation across multiple jurisdictions is second to none and gives him a real edge in managing issues involving cross-border matters, ensuring all parties receive fair representation."

According to Taylor, "Too often smaller shareholders and independent directors are on the losing end of hostile takeovers – that's where Michael's expertise counts in providing advice regarding cross-border insolvencies, distressed/contentious investment fund issues, shareholders' rights and remedies, directors' duties and other related disputes."

Makridakis expressed his enthusiasm about his new role, stating, "My work overseas in the past two decades provided me with an invaluable opportunity to work with leading lawyers in large commercial litigation cases, as well as insolvency practitioners in globally significant corporate restructurings and liquidations."

He added, "I have worked with many companies and their shareholders, helping them to navigate often complex corporate governance issues and relations with shareholders. I look forward to sharing my experiences in this area with clients in the local market."

Makridakis is optimistic about contributing to the Australian market, saying, "I am excited to be back in Australia and offer my services alongside the rest of the Taylor David team relating to all insolvency, asset recovery, liquidation matters, and related commercial litigation disputes."

Furthermore, he noted, "The firm already has strong links to Australia's mining and resources sectors. I look forward to working with existing clients and expanding our offer to businesses dealing with complex issues in an increasingly international marketplace."

Taylor David has consistently been recognised as a leading insolvency and restructuring firm since 2019, according to Doyles Guide, an independent organisation that ranks law firms based on interviews with clients, peers, and relevant industry bodies. The firm was also acknowledged in the "2025 Best Lawyers Australia" list, being named among the top two percent for Insolvency and Reorganisation law.

Makridakis's arrival comes after he served as a consultant at Taylor David for nine months. He maintains a consultancy role with Appleby Global through its Hong Kong office.