Who are we?

Darren is the principal lawyer and founder of Sanicki Lawyers which he commenced in 2009.

Darren completed his law degree with honours at Monash University in 2003 and has completed post graduate courses in copyright law, trade marks, intellectual property, and industrial designs. Darren also holds a Bachelor of Economics degree from Latrobe University.

Darren’s legal career was initially forged at Marshalls & Dent Lawyers where he worked in areas including: property law, business sales and acquisitions, commercial leases, corporate restructuring, and civil litigation. He was made a senior associate after three years.

As a practicing musician, Darren used his networks in Melbourne’s music scene, to commence and expand his music and entertainment client base while continuing to work in areas of commercial and property law.

Since commencing Sanicki Lawyers, Darren has consolidated a substantial entertainment industry client base representing some of Australia’s best known bands, artists and creative businesses.

Darren has been selected by the Artists from The Voice for all 10 Seasons as their legal representative having previously represented contestants from X-Factor and Australian Idol.  He has represented clients in high profile litigious matters including a Federal Court Case concerning a legend of the Australian music scene and the fixing of a statutory licence for use of an iconic song for the services of the Commonwealth. Darren also successfully represented Michael Barker (Split Enz) in a defamation action against News Ltd and Today Tonight.

Defamation law remains one of Darren’s primary practice areas today.

Darren also has worked with a substantial commercial client base over the years,  comprising creative and corporate businesses including Winsdor Smith, Medical One, Strikeforce AMC, Step One and the Meatball & Wine Bar.

Darren also volunteers his services as a pro-bono solicitor for the Arts Law Centre of Australia and is a 5 time recipient of the Arts Law Pro Bono award.

Darren spent 10 years as Chairman of The Push, a not-for profit Government funded Victorian youth music organisation, and was a founding board member of Music Victoria, Victoria’s peak contemporary music industry body.  Darren has also taught in the Music Business and Music Law degrees at Victoria University.

Notwithstanding any of this, Darren is still best known for having a song he co-penned, “More Than A Game” used as the theme song for Channel 9’s iconic The Footy Show for 25 years!

Rob joined Sanicki Lawyers in 2022. He is an accredited Commercial and Franchise Specialist.

Rob has been in practice and/or partnership since 1982, merging his own firm with Wisewoulds Lawyers in January 2003. He moved to Marsh & Maher Richmond Bennison in January 2015.

Rob has published articles in the Australian Financial Review, online and in journals on franchising, licensing and establishing business in Australia. Rob has developed considerable business expertise from personal experience in retail business with the Ted’s Camera Stores Group; and has provided advice and consultancy to business in a wide range of industries.

Rob enjoys the challenge of finding lateral solutions and giving direct “no bull” advice to clients.

He operates with clients in an open and transparent manner regarding fees and has flexible fee arrangements for clients including fixed fees based on scope of works for many services provided. This gives clients the ability to monitor and budget for legal fees.

Rob has expertise in the following areas:

• Franchising acting for both Franchisors (local and international), Franchisees, Master Franchisees, Area Developers;
• Franchise dispute resolution acting for both Franchisors and Franchisees – solutions and strategies – mediation;
• Mergers and Acquisitions of a small to large business;
• Retail leasing, property and development projects, joint venture syndicates;
• Establishing companies in Australia for foreign companies;
• Licensing and distribution, commercial and contractual agreements, software licensing and development agreements;
• General commercial, corporate advice and consultancy, shareholder / unit holder agreements and buyouts;
• Corporations Law – Director’s duties, corporate compliance and ASIC prosecutions of directors;
• Child Care and Early Learning Centre Sector – Investors, Developers and Operators;
• Pharmacy law – advice to pharmacists and pharmacy representative organisations;
• Contract review tenders and trade practices law (Competition and Consumer Act 2010);
• Renewable Energy Law – solar – regulator requirements, ORER and the Clean Energy Council (CEC);
• Liquor Licensing and gaming.

Other positions include:

• Board member and Company Secretary (corporate compliance) Elwood Community Bank Ltd (under franchise of the Bendigo Adelaide Bank Ltd.
• Franchise Association of New Zealand (FANZ)
• Franchise Council of Australia (FCA)
• International Franchise Lawyers Association (IFLA)
• The US Commercial Service
• Australian Institute of Company Director (AICD)

Peter joined Sanicki Lawyers in May 2019 as Special Counsel.

He brings with him over 40 years’ experience as a Commercial Lawyer and is an Accredited Commercial Law Specialist.

Previously, Peter worked with a number of prestigious city legal firms, including Browne & Co (when they were AFL’s Lawyers), Mills Oakley and Marshalls & Dent.

Peter specialises in most aspects of Commercial Law including:

• Mergers & Acquisition
• Shareholder and Business Succession Agreements
• Business set-up & Restructure
• Franchising
• Commercial Disputes, including Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Insolvency
• Commercial Leasing

Peter also specialises in:

• Estate Planning,  including drafting  Wills,  Enduring Powers of Attorney and Appointments of a Medical Decision Maker
•  Acting in connection with deceased estates including obtaining Grants of Probate

Jonathan commenced at Sanicki Lawyers in 2019. He was promoted to the position of Senior Associate in November 2022.

Practising primarily in defamation law, litigation and commercial law, Jonathan prides himself in providing thorough guidance and reassurance to his clients during all stages of complex legal matters.

He has acted in defamation matters involving all kinds of print and online publications, including in major daily newspapers and on social media. With a commercially minded approach to dispute resolution, he has consistently achieved successful outcomes for aggrieved parties before needing to commence legal proceedings, as well as cheap and timely resolution of defended matters for publishers. Jonathan’s comprehensive understanding of defamation law enables him to advocate fiercely for clients on either side of defamation matters.

With extensive experience in civil litigation (including defamation), he has acted in courts of all levels, including the Supreme Court of Victoria (both Court of Appeal and Trial Division), the County Court of Victoria and the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, as well as the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

At the same time, Jonathan has a substantial practice in a broad range of commercial law areas, including business sales and acquisitions, retail and commercial leasing, business structuring and commercial disputes. He is a trusted advisor to a diverse range of clients, from sole traders to medium-sized enterprises. Working closely with his clients across a variety of industries including retail, hospitality, manufacturing, real estate, health and media, Jonathan is attentive to each of their commercial and personal objectives, while providing them with dedicated and reliable representation.

Holding a combined Bachelor of Laws (with Honours) and Bachelor of Music degrees from Monash University, Jonathan is also a classically trained pianist and composer. When not immersed in reading contracts or analysing defamatory imputations, you’ll find him at the piano, preparing for his next concert.

Kristen joined Sanicki Lawyers in 2022 and practises primarily in corporate, commercial, and property law.

Kristen was admitted to practice in 2016 and holds a Bachelor of Laws degree and a Bachelor of Arts (major of Chinese).

Kristen prides herself on her ability to create strong client relations and effectively manage matters in accordance with agreed client arrangements. Her experience in various areas of law has also contributed to her ability to assess matters from multiple perspectives.

Kristen has expertise in the following areas:

• General commercial, corporate advice and consultancy, shareholder/ unit holder agreements;
• Mergers and acquisitions of small to large businesses;
• Sales and acquisitions of residential and commercial properties;
• Leasing (including retail leasing) – acting for tenants and landlords;
• Franchising – acting for Franchisors and Franchisees;
• Pharmacy law including acting for pharmacists and national pharmaceutical retailers in relation to business acquisitions and disposals, leasing and pharmacy location rule applications;
• Liquor licensing and gaming including providing advice in relation to regulatory compliance.

Chelsea is a solicitor at Sanicki Lawyers specialising in music and entertainment law. Chelsea holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and Arts from Monash University and was admitted into the legal profession in 2022 after starting as an intern at Sanicki Lawyers in 2019.

Chelsea primarily acts for artists, record labels, managers, publishers and industry representatives on matters mostly concerning contracts and intellectual property within the music and entertainment industries. In her role at Sanicki Lawyers, Chelsea works alongside some of the biggest names in the Australian entertainment industry.

Chelsea also lectures at the Australian Institute of Music in Intellectual Property Law and is honoured to be a brand ambassador for The College of Law.

As a vocalist and musician in her own right, Chelsea studied most of her law degree abroad as she toured internationally with RCA recording artist Ruel for 5 years. Some of Chelsea’s most memorable appearances include performing on MTV in New York 2018, at the Sydney Opera House 2019, and at various international music festivals such as Tyler the Creator’s ‘Camp Flog Gnaw’ in Los Angeles 2018, and ‘Summer Sonic’ in Tokyo and Osaka 2018.

With well-rounded knowledge of the music industry and a strong passion for the arts, Chelsea looks forward to assisting and advising clients in a thorough and meaningful way, so they can focus on the fun stuff!

Brittany joined Sanicki Lawyers in 2022 and specialises primarily in commercial litigation and dispute resolution, while also having experience in general commercial law and intellectual property.

Brittany was admitted to practice in 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from La Trobe University and undertook her Practical Legal Training at Leo Cussen Centre for Law. Prior to her admission to practice, Brittany had been in and around the legal industry for a number of years including 4 years as a paralegal at Slater & Gordon.

Brittany has experience in various jurisdictions within Australia including the Victorian and New South Wales Supreme Courts, the County Court and Federal Court of Australia. She is experienced in a broad range of commercial disputes including in breach of contract, breach of trust and detinue claims, shareholder oppression claims as well as winding up and bankruptcy proceedings.

Brittany understands the stress and costs involved in litigation and is focussed on assisting her clients to resolve their disputes in a cost effective and pragmatic fashion. Brittany has assisted domestic and international clients to resolve their disputes through court processes, such as compulsory conferences and mediations, as well as prior to the commencement of court proceedings.

Brittany has a warm and down-to-earth approach and forges trusting relationships with her clients from the outset. She prides herself on her ability to think outside the box and provide honest, creative and pragmatic advice to all of her clients.

Randima joined Sanicki Lawyers in November 2023 and practices primarily in commercial law including franchising and leasing matters, whilst also having experience in commercial property law.

Randima was admitted to practice in 2019 after also completing her practical legal training at the College of Law. Randima also holds a double degree of Bachelor of Laws with Honours and Bachelor of Business majoring in Public Relations in 2019 at the Queensland University of Technology.

Prior to and following Randima’s admission, she worked in a broad range of areas of law in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, including retail and commercial leasing, residential and commercial tenancy disputes, residential and off-the-plan conveyancing, business sales and acquisition and commercial property sales and acquisitions.

Randima has practiced in an extensive range of areas of law, including retail and commercial leasing, residential and commercial tenancy disputes, residential and off-the-plan conveyancing, business sales and acquisition, and commercial property sales and acquisitions. She prides herself in offering a guiding hand to her clients as she undertakes her various transactions and commits herself to each deal that passes her desk to ensure every detail is attended to and the transaction runs smoothly. With her strong attention to detail, she also enjoys applying her expertise to support clients through complex matters and turning difficult scenarios into positive commercial outcomes.

Outside of work, you will find Randima exploring the sights and sounds of Melbourne, having just moved here from Brisbane before coming to Sanicki Lawyers or learning a new classical piece to play on the piano.

Tugce joined Sanicki Lawyers in September 2023. She practices primarily in commercial law, with a focus on Trade Promotion matters. Tugce also has experience and a growing practice in the area of employment law.

Tugce completed her Bachelor of Laws with Honours in 2022 and was admitted to practice in 2023 after completing her practical legal training at the College of Law. Tugce also holds a degree of Bachelor of Legal and Dispute Studies in 2019 from RMIT University.

Tugce focuses on providing tailored advice for all Trade Promotions matters which can be a great marketing tool for businesses. However, it is a complex area of law and it is important to understand the legal considerations involved. This includes each State and Territory regulations, permit requirements, terms and conditions, privacy policies, and regulations against misleading and deceptive conduct. Having assisted and continue to assist various businesses running monthly Trade Promotions with confidence, Tugce has been described as being incredibly attentive and reliant.

Aside from her legal career, Tugce has been running her own business in women’s fashion since 2016. Tugce and her business partner launched a platform where women can hire designer clothes and goods, out of a mutual love for iconic luxury brands and a desire to make their wardrobe affordable and accessible to women across Australia.

Tugce’s experience in managing a business since the age of 19 has exemplified her confidence, resilience, willingness to sacrifice, and relentless determination for success. These strengths and attributes are undoubtedly transferable to her clients at Sanicki Lawyers.

Chris joined Sanicki Lawyers in October of 2023 as a Paralegal Intern, and was promoted to the role of Paralegal in December of 2023. She assists with a wide array of tasks, including file management, drafting legal documents, corresponding with clients, filing court documents, legal research and contributing to the management of the Sanicki Lawyers social media accounts.

Chris is currently in her third year of a Bachelor of Arts/Law degree at Deakin University, with an Arts major in Literature, and has a Certificate III in Music Industry. She is also a proud member of the Law Institute of Victoria.

Chris has always been passionate about the arts, and was a classically trained singer with the Australian Children’s Choir from ages 9-18. With the ACC, Chris has toured America, Canada, Europe and Australia. International performance highlights include the Notre Dame, the Kennedy Centre, Washington Cathedral and the Vienna Opera Theatre. Within Australia, Chris has sung at the Sydney Opera House, on radio, on albums, and has performed the national anthem twice for the Moto Grand Prix.

Besides music performance, Chris is deeply involved in the world of academia and literature. Chris has acted as a Teacher’s Assistant for Deakin University in a variety of law subjects, and was also a VCE English Tutor. As an avid writer, Chris has written plays for primary schools and high schools, and she enjoys contributing to the Sanicki Lawyers blog and social media platforms on legal news.

In her spare time, Chris enjoys visiting art galleries, song writing, going to the gym, and spending time in nature with her cavoodle Chelsea.

Lucy joined Sanicki Lawyers in 2021.

With over 20 years of conveyancing experience, Lucy ensures client satisfaction and is proven to achieve successful outcomes. Lucy is a competent and efficient person who works very well under pressure. Lucy has her conveyancing career with over 20 years experience in the legal and conveyancing industry.

Hannah joined Sanicki Lawyers in February 2023 as a Paralegal. She assists with various tasks across all practice areas which includes corresponding with clients, conducting legal research, preparing and drafting legal documents and file management.

Hannah is currently in her penultimate year, studying a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Music (Classical Violin Performance) at Monash University.

As a violinist, she has performed with notable groups such as the Australian Youth Orchestra, Melbourne Youth Orchestra and Monash Academy Orchestra. Her most memorable experiences include appearances at the Atheneum Theatre, Hisense Arena and the Government House of Victoria. Hannah has also performed in various string quartets for events such as the Melbourne Fringe Festival, Monash University law functions and wedding receptions.

Aside from performing, Hannah is a passionate violin teacher who currently tutors over 30 students at a local private school and conducts their upper primary string orchestras.

With her rich musical background, Hannah wishes to specialise in music and entertainment law to apply her knowledge and experience in a meaningful way.

Vandana boasts 7+ years of experience in financial controlling and auditing. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, majoring in Accounting and has since become a certified XERO Advisor.