"Brand New Day" MFS
Working for governance through
'strong and secure sovereign nation states'
'stable and prosperous regions'
' multilateral international order and institutions'
'a healthy and sustainable planet'
For Public International Law
Rules, Principles and Norms
Especially noting the ongoing global normative turbulence destabilizing the rule of law and challenging liberal democracy, this Public International Law practice in Australia (NSW) is committed to the progressive development and sustainment of rules, principles and norms of international law.
Services offered include advice, opinions and representation on matters of general public international law.
Australia's normative agency, roles and responsibilities as a middle power in the international law-based order of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region is a particular focus
Pro bono support to regional intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations is offered and considered of special importance.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
Public International law Practice Areas include:
General rules, principles and norms of public international law
Normative developments in international law based order
Law of the Sea
Laws of armed conflict
International Humanitarian law
United Nations and Peace and Security
Maritime zones law enforcement and border protection
National defence and security
International law based order in the Indo- Asia-Pacific
Michael has practiced law in both the public and private sectors, and has extensive leadership and management experience in senior executive and administrative appointments . He holds undergraduate degrees from the University of Melbourne in Law and Arts(Economics and Politics) ; and post-graduate degrees from the University of Sydney, Master of Laws; and The London School of Economics and Political Science, Doctor of Philosophy. He attained the rank of Commodore in the Royal Australian Navy, and served as the Director General of the Defence Legal Service.
'Australia and international law-based order: Statecraft and legal practice', NSW BarNEWS, The International Edition, Winter 2025, pp 46-49.
Presentation to Australian Institute of International Affairs, Australian Capital Territory Branch, Canberra, 'International Law-based Order and Australian Statecraft: Navigating Normative Storms', March 6, 2025.
Member, International Law Association, Committee on Protection of People at Sea.
The Tampa Controversy: A uniform legal perspective.
In Trials an Transformations The Howard Government Vol III (UNSW Press 2019)
Australia and the Rules-based International Order - The Way Ahead
Presentation to the NSW Bar Association continuing professional development (Feb 2020)
Role of Armed Forces in the Regulation of International Migration
Presentation to International Law Association, Slovenia Branch (2019)
China Matters: A New China Narrative for Australia
(Submission April 2019)
The Law of the Sea in the Asia Pacific Region
Centre for Military and Security Law Conference 2017
Closing Conference Address, ANU College of Law - United Services Institute ACT (Aug 2017)
Visiting Fellow, Australian National University , College of Law 2014-16
CONTACT
RPN CHAMBERS
Address: 14 Faithfull St. Gundaroo, NSW, Australia 2620
Email: michaelfsmith@rpnchambers.com.au
Tel: within Australia 0417 044 261
international +61 417 044 261
For any inquiries, please fill in the following contact form:
