Personal Profile:  Michael Hourigan

About Michael Hourigan, Llb, M.Ed; B.Ed,

Professional Qualifications & Education

• Bachelor of Law (LLb) – University of Adelaide
• Master Degree of Education (M.Ed) – University of South Australia
• Bachelor Degree of Education (B.Ed) – University of South Australia
• Business Ambassador for the State of South Australia  (Appointed by the Premier of South Australia the Hon Mike Rann MP, May 2006)

In addition to managing his South Australian Law Practice, which includes ongoing international human rights work, Michael Hourigan is Managing Director of an innovative new Australian company:  IBC International Business Connections.

After over 10 years of living and working in some of the world’s hottest and most troubled countries he recently returned to his home base of Adelaide, but retains close ties with respected professional associates both around Australia and overseas.

His extraordinary life and unique experience in the interconnected issues of crime and corruption, human trafficking, genocide, war and crimes against humanity - combined with his special insights into the political and business workings of Capitol Hill, Washington DC gives his clients an incomparable first hand knowledge of the need for and benefits of  Business Ethics, Corporate Responsibility and Human Rights Issues - not to mention his impressive list of passionate supporters and professional connections throughout the world.

He brings a unique perspective to the emerging awareness and partnering opportunities for Corporate Social Responsibility in Australia.   A former South Australian Prosecutor with the Director of Public Prosecutions, Michael is known internationally as a human rights lawyer who is genuinely committed to defending the rights of the voiceless. 

Michael has worked as a war crimes investigator with the UN in Rwanda, Special Legal Counsel to a member of the US Congress and as a trial lawyer with leading US plaintiff law firms in Atlanta.  His most recent human rights work has required him to personally lead investigations on the ground in Iraq into allegations of the murder and torture of prisoners in the now infamous Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad.  He is also currently working with human rights activists on cases of human trafficking and the enslavement of young women in Eastern Europe.

Key Professional Expertise

• Skilled and Highly Regarded International Human Rights Lawyer
• Investigator with unique experience in interconnected issues of crime and corruption, human trafficking, genocide, war and crimes against humanity
• Excellent knowledge of and ongoing working relationships with media worldwide (including developing important “on camera” investigative roles for BBC and French productions)
• Expansive knowledge of international crime and terrorism
• Intimate Knowledge of  International, US and Australian legal systems
• Strong experience in criminal, civil and international Law
• Understanding of “how Capitol Hill works” with a demonstrated high level knowledge of key players, lobbying and the methods required for achieving audiences with US lawmakers and entrees to “Capitol Hill”
• Experienced US political policy advisor and experienced advisor to other foreign governments
• Demonstrated experience in establishing high level connections and global networks
• Experienced and sophisticated political, business and government negotiator and facilitator
• He has worked with the following high level Government agencies:
  • The United Nations (including the Office of Legal Affairs, Anti Corruption, Building Development, Peacekeeping, Human Rights)
  • Law enforcement (including: FBI, CIA, Scotland Yard, the French National Anti Terrorist Division, ASIO, and the Police Forces of Australia, etc.)
  • US Government (including: The White House, Defence, Justice Department, US Congress and US Senate)
  • Diplomatic Missions of Foreign Governments in the United States (including: Middle East, Africa, Pakistan, Europe and the South Americas)