Profile
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
Michael Gilbert is a commercial lawyer with experience advising businesses across a broad range of corporate and commercial matters. His practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, agricultural industry transactions and general commercial law.
Michael works with private companies, family businesses, investors and agribusiness operators to navigate complex transactions and deliver practical, commercially focused outcomes. A significant part of his practice involves advising clients in the agricultural sector, where he assists with the acquisition and sale of farming enterprises, agribusiness structuring, and strategic investment into rural assets. He understands the unique commercial, regulatory and succession considerations that arise in agriculture and works closely with clients to deliver solutions that support long-term growth and sustainability.
In his mergers and acquisitions practice, Michael advises on the full transaction lifecycle, including due diligence, transaction structuring, negotiation and completion. He has acted for buyers, sellers and investors across a variety of industries, guiding clients through transactions with clarity and efficiency.
He also regularly advises businesses on shareholder arrangements, commercial contracts and corporate governance matters, helping organisations manage risk while pursuing strategic opportunities.
Level 23, 345 Queen Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
073231 0440
mgilbert@mcw.com.au
linkedin.com/in/michael-gilbert-8b6209114
mcw.com.au/find-a-lawyer/michael-gilbert
Michael Gilbert
Associate
McInnes Wilson Lawyers
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Bio
Milestones
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
2022
2022–2023
2023
2024–Present
2026–Present
Admitted as a solicitor
2022
Solicitor at Redchip Lawyers
2022–2023
Solicitor at McInnes Wilson Lawyers
2023
Associate at McInnes Wilson Lawyers
2024–Present
Head of Litigation at Level Playing Field Lawyers
2026–Present
Milestones
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
A significant part of his focus today is staying ahead of regulatory change while maintaining a seamless client experience. He tracks updates from regulators and lenders closely and works with his teams to adjust systems as needed.
“My approach to my role and my career has always been rooted in passion, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he says. “I’ve never been driven solely by profit or business metrics. I believe in hiring great talent, trusting them, and pushing boundaries because innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe.”
His experience isn’t limited to Canada. Ibrahim has worked in the US and UAE, which shaped his global perspective and comfort with adapting to different markets. He thrives on risk, viewing setbacks as stepping stones to progress.
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made,” he adds.
That outlook continues to guide his work and reflects his broader goal of helping move the industry forward. Through his brokerage, lending company, and legal services, Ibrahim is focused on creating long-term value for his clients, his teams, and others working in the field.