Mike Dodds
Mike Dodds is the director of MDLAW and a senior barrister. Mike has practiced law for 43 years with a specific focus on complex criminal litigation, relationship property, estate, care of children and civil matters.
Mike also has extensive mediation experience both as counsel and as a mediator. In 1989, Mike trained as a mediator in Boulder, Colorado, when mediation was in its infancy.
Mike began his career at a litigation firm in central Auckland. After two years, Mike made the move to the Bay of Islands where he joined the team at Law North. Mike quickly progressed and became the litigation partner for 17 years. Since early 2000, Mike has practiced as a sole barrister and, in 2022, was joined by his daughter, Sally Dodds.
Mike has been the lead counsel on over 200 criminal trials throughout his career. Mike is a band 4 litigator and is a member of the committee considering lawyers’ applications to act in criminal, family and civil legal aid cases. Prior to the Legal Services Board, Mike acted as the presiding member of the North Auckland District Legal Services Committee.
Mike’s tactical approach based on his experience regularly provides clients with prompt resolutions and creative solutions to complicated matters. Mike abhors injustice and has a passion for resolving disputes and achieving a just outcome.
Mike has extensive advocacy experience appearing before the Family Court, District Court, High Court and the Court of Appeal. Mike has been involved in many cases that have attracted media attention. Mike regularly presents at seminars and conferences, including recently presented at the New Jersey Bar Association (USA) conference in June 2022.
Mike is a long term member of the Family Law Section and Criminal Bar Association.