Who are we?

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

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)

Paul joined Sanicki Lawyers as a consultant in 2015.

Notwithstanding that Paul completed his law degree in 1975, he was a full time performer / recording artist /songwriter for more than a decade during the 70’s and 80’s. He recorded with Festival Records, released a couple of albums and singles, toured with the likes of Cliff Richard, wrote songs for local and international artists, and generally “lived the life”.

Paul’s career took a turn in the mid 80’s when he was asked to join Fable Music as a publisher where he successfully pitched songs to John Farnham, Daryl Braithwaite and many international artists who recorded songs pitched by Paul from the Fable catalogue.

In the early 90’s, Paul managed Tommy Emmanuel, The Badloves, Debra Byrne and Russell Morris and also during that time managed Paul Dainty’s publishing company Marble Music.

Paul returned to law practice in the mid 1990’s and has since acted as legal adviser in the entertainment industry to a variety of the major and independent bands and performers, producers, songwriters and record labels in Australia ranging from Tex Perkins, Havana Brown, Ella Hooper, Megan Washington, Nathaniel, and British India to Russell Morris, Renee Geyer, Daryl Braithwaite, James Reyne and many others.

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 Windor 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!

Nathan has recently completed his Juris Doctor at La Trobe University having also previously completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science. He holds a wealth of experience across a number of fields, having previously worked in Banking, Market Research and conveyancing for a major property develop; as well as operating as the business manager for a local music media venture. Nathan brings care and expertise to his practice and works closely with clients to help achieve their best possible outcomes.

Practising in intellectual property law, music & entertainment law and general commercial law, Michelle is passionate about helping individuals and small business owners thrive across a range of creative industries.

Michelle assists with music, television, theatre and film agreements, including recording and publishing deals, reality TV appearances and MIFF applications. In doing so, she ensures that her clients have the certainty of fair compensation and that their rights will be protected when making and sharing their work.

At the same time, Michelle has experience in trademark registrations and oppositions, copyright infringement and the ongoing management of local and international trademarks. She has also helped start-ups and established businesses with all aspects of their business setup, including website T&Cs and privacy policies, joint venture agreements and employment contracts. As a result, Michelle’s clients can grow commercially, knowing that their valuable branding and legal rights are secured.

Outside of business hours, Michelle enjoys immersing herself in the creative industry, including watching independent films and music and writing scripts for fun. She is also an avid believer of breakfast foods at all times of the day.

Jonathan commenced at Sanicki Lawyers in 2019. Practising primarily in defamation law 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.

At the same time, Jonathan is experienced 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, and is adept at handling complex transactions with bespoke contracts. Working closely with his clients across a variety of industries including retail, hospitality, manufacturing, 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 the analysis of defamatory imputations, you’ll find him at the piano, preparing for his next concert.

Stephanie is a Senior Associate Family Lawyer – and is the Head of the Sanicki Lawyers Family Law Team. She commenced at Sanicki Lawyers in 2021.

Stephanie has over 10 years of experience helping separated couples resolve disputes regarding parenting and property matters. She has extensive experience in all areas of family law including Family Dispute Resolution Conferences, Conciliation Conferences, Recovery Orders, Parentage testing, Spousal Maintenance, negotiated settlements, family violence and other risk-related matters, Binding Financial Agreements, Child Support matters – plus litigation in the Family Court of Australia and Federal Circuit Court of Australia.

Stephanie brings a diverse background of practice – including previously representing legally aided applicants as well as privately funded clients. She enjoys a productive and successful working relationship with clients as well as professional colleagues such as Barristers, psychologists and psychiatrists, expert property valuers and forensic accountants.

Stephanie prides herself on realistic and practical advice; plus strong Court advocacy skills with excellent outcomes for clients at competitive prices. She regularly receives referrals from past satisfied clients and professional associates.   Having Stephanie join the Sanicki Lawyers Team means that we can offer an even greater, and fully comprehensive, range of services to all our valued clients.

Kristen joined Sanicki Lawyers in 2022 and practises primarily in corporate, commercial, employment 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). She commenced her career at Marsh & Maher Richmond Bennison under the mentorship of  Rob Toth.

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;
• Employment law;
• 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 began as in intern at Sanicki Lawyers in 2019. She is excited to graduate and be admitted as a lawyer this year, as she nears the end of her law degree.

Chelsea has enjoyed her time at Monash University, having completed an arts degree majoring in music, with continuous involvement in mooting, most memorably appearing as Respondent in the Federal Court for the LSS mooting competition in 2016.

She assists the lawyers in a variety of tasks including legal research, drafting and filing of various documents.

As a vocalist, Chelsea studied most of her degree abroad as she toured internationally with RCA recording artist ‘Ruel’ for 5 years. Some of Chelsea’s most exciting appearances include performing on TRL, MTV in New York 2018, at the Sydney Opera House 2019, and at an array of international music festivals such as Tyler the Creator’s ‘Camp Flog Gnaw’ in Los Angeles 2018.

It is no secret that Chelsea is gearing up to embark on a career in music and entertainment law. With well-rounded knowledge of the music industry, Chelsea looks forward to assisting and advising clients in a thorough and meaningful way, so they can focus on the fun stuff!

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.

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.

With years of experience in the film, television and theatre industry, Monique began officially joined Sanicki Lawyers Melbourne as a solicitor in 2020 to combine her two passions.

Monique is also a screen and stage actor and producer and runs a production company under which she produced her first feature film “Slant” earlier this year, due for Australian release in December 2022.

Monique brings her intricate knowledge of the industry to her practice and has a desire for representing and working with production companies, artists, actors and creatives of all shapes and sizes. Specialising in entertainment and commercial law, her expertise include film production legals, development agreements, chain of title agreements, cast and crew employment contracts, clearance, defamation, distribution and financing and loan agreements. Monique appreciates just how much work goes into getting a project up and running and enjoys helping artists achieve their goals. Monique also has a keen interest and practices in music, defamation, general commercial and intellectual property law.

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.

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.

Harriet joined Sanicki Lawyers in March 2021 and has quickly become an integral member. She operates within the administrative team and across a variety of practice areas as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant.

Harriet assists with a variety of tasks including corresponding with clients, legal research and filing documents. She also solely organises the internship program and liaises with prospective interns.

Having graduated from a Bachelor of Arts at Monash University in 2019, Harriet majored in Criminology and minored in International Relations and Bioethics. She is currently in her penultimate year, studying Juris Doctor at Monash University, and has a particular interest in commercial law. Harriet prides herself on her solution-focus and her wealth of experience developed across her employment and studies.

Outside of business hours, Harriet enjoys keeping active (when her head is not in her textbooks) by playing netball.