Michael Kemp, bankrupt former Brisbane lawyer, restrained from advertising right to practise law

A former high-flying Brisbane lawyer must stop advertising his right to practise law and delete bizarre posts where he taunted the Queensland Law Society.

Michael Kemp was director of Kemp Law, which collapsed owing $8.15m.

Bankrupt former Brisbane lawyer Michael Kemp has been restrained by a court from advertising that he is entitled to practise and ordered to take down some social media posts.

The Queensland Law Society recently launched Supreme Court action against Mr Kemp and Justice David Jackson today ordered an injunction proposed by QLS.

The peak industry body had sought orders forcing Mr Kemp to delete a raft of online posts which promoted his no-win/no-fee “personal injury assistance’’ referral service, trading as Kemp Help.

Kemp started the business shortly after he was struck off as a solicitor in June, as a result of his personal bankruptcy.

The company’s now-inactive website included a disclaimer that it was “not a registered law firm’’.

But the QLS said in court documents that Kemp, who identified himself as CEO of Kemp Help, should be “restrained … from representing or advertising that he is entitled to engage in legal practice’’.

Michael Kemp has been ordered to delete social media posts taunting the Queensland Law Society. Picture: Annie Perets

Justice Jackson today made an order, with the consent of both parties, for a final injunction barring Mr Kemp from advertising that he was entitled to engage in legal practice.

The injunction requires Mr Kemp to delete certain social media posts.

Justice Jackson confirmed with Mr Kemp’s solicitor that Mr Kemp was aware that the order included that he would be held in contempt of court if he breached the order.

QLS had specifically targeted multiple Kemp Help postings on Facebook and Instagram, his profile on LinkedIn and “Call Kempy’’ material on Instagram.

It included screenshots and other details of Mr Kemp’s taunting of the QLS, as well as his efforts to run cash giveaway contests for clients.

“Massive shout out to the Queensland Law Society,’’ one posting in early July said.

“You guys have been amazing in helping me grow Kemp Help and all my other companies.

“It’s so good to see such a helpful government agency putting in the weekend work to help people. Massive thanks guys! Helped me put the kids through private school.’’

On August 27, Mr Kemp wrote in a post: “Queensland Law Society … You have made KEMP HELP even bigger!! … LETS gooooooooo … 2022 will be amazing! GOD IS GOOD,’’ he wrote.

Mr Kemp flagged a $1000 cash giveaway on a Facebook page on August 18, according to the QLS documents.

“To celebrate the enormous growth of Kemp Help, we are giving away $1000 CASH to one lucky winner,’’ the post said. The winner was supposed to be picked last week but it remains unclear if the draw went ahead.

There was also a $3000 giveaway for a family “to start the first term of 2022 school with books/uniforms and school fees!’’ The drawing was set down for New Year’s Day.

Mr Kemp’s former legal practice, Kemp Law, collapsed in February, owing $8.15m.

It prompted a secured lender to win court orders in May, bankrupting Mr Kemp, who had personal debts of $7.2m and just $25 in the bank.

The QLS then banned him in late June from practising law for five years, noting that he was “no longer a fit and proper person’’.

Originally published as Michael Kemp, bankrupt former Brisbane lawyer, restrained from advertising right to practise law