Michael O’Dea KCSG AM

During his fifty years of legal practice, Michael O’Dea has unparalleled experience in a wide range of practice areas. He has practised extensively in conveyancing, probate, revenue law, estate planning, personal injury, industrial law, commercial litigation and general commercial work.

As a previous Managing Partner of Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers and now a Special Counsel, the firm’s lawyers benefit from Michael’s wide-ranging experience and expertise.

As a former mayor and a board member of a number of prominent schools, Michael has made an outstanding contribution to the community, as well as managing his busy practice.

He has served as Councillor and Mayor at North Sydney Council and he has been highly involved with a number of schools, including a member of the Advisory Board of St Ignatius’ College Riverview and the Founding Chairman of the Executive Board of Loreto Kirribilli. He has served on the board of a number of not-for-profit organisations, such as the St Vincent de Paul Society and the Board of the Sacred Heart Hospice. A number of hospitals, such as the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, have benefitted from his membership of their boards.

Through his community involvement, Michael’s experience places him in a unique position to properly understand and effectively advise his not-for-profit clients.

In recognition of his services to the community, particularly in aged care, Michael was made a member of the Order of Australia in 1992.
In 2008, Michael was awarded a Papal Knighthood, and was appointed Knight Commander of the Papal Order of St Gregory the Great, for distinguished services to the Church in the Archdiocese of Sydney.

“The extraordinary value of Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers to the community is exemplified by our commitment to the not-for-profit sector – our staff are strongly encouraged to be involved with their community and support people less advantaged.”

Key Professional Achievements

• Michael has Bachelor of Arts and Master of Laws degrees from the University of Sydney.
• He is admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the High Court of Australia and is a Notary Public.
• Michael joined Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers in 1960 and was a partner from 1963 until his retirement from the partnership in 2006.
• He was the Managing Partner of Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers until January 2006 and is currently a consultant to the firm.
• In 2002 Michael was awarded the Edmund Rice Bicentenary Medal for “extraordinary support given to the Mission of the Christian Brothers”.
• In 2006, Michael received, from the Provincial of the Jesuits, the Jubilee Medal of the First Companions for his community service.
• In 2011 Michael was North Sydney Citizen of the Year.