New Energy

New Energy

Our lawyers specialise in Solar Energy, Electric Vehicles (EV), Wind and Hydro Power and Green Energy and can accordingly provide sector-specific legal services to help you make informed decisions in this area.
of Australia's energy generated by renewable projects
%
total investment in large-scale storage
$ b
solar systems installed across Australia

The New Frontier

We act for various clients in the renewable energy sector including solar energy projects, EV charging. We have advised clients on Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) and commercial arrangements in the renewables sector. It is a highly regulated and complex sector, and Sanicki Lawyers also has a network of specialised consultants who can also assist and advise our clients.

Compliance and funding

The sector is driven by industry Codes of Conduct, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) obligations. Directors and Boards need to be aware of their compliance obligations.

We also assist in joint venture and shareholder arrangements, and have assisted clients in review and sign off of investment memorandums (IM’s) to raise funding and shareholder subscription agreements. We know the compliance requirements in the sector via the CEC Clean Energy Council, Vic Solar and the ACCC and we have assisted clients with compliance issues with regulators. We have made representations to the Government in their review of the National Code and therefore have developed expertise acting for retail and commercial clients in the renewable energy sector.

Our areas of work include:

Corporate structures and investor and shareholder agreements

Licensing and distribution and supply agreements

Reviewing contractual terms and conditions

Developing installer and service agreements

Protection of IP

Compliance with regulators

Such as the Clean Energy Council, Solar Victoria and the ACCC

Workplace agreements and OH&S issues

Developing contractual terms and conditions relating to corporate structures, shareholding and investment memorandums to raise funding

Our Industry Expert Team:

Robert Toth

Special Counsel

Robert joined Sanicki Lawyers in 2022. He is an Accredited Commercial and Franchise Specialist with over 35 years of experience in acting for commercial and business clients and property. Rob commenced practice in 1982 and is a regular commentator and publisher of articles on the franchising, licensing, distribution and childcare sectors. Rob developed considerable business acumen while working for his brother Ted in Ted’s Camera Store, which continues to be an iconic Australian business. Rob enjoys the challenge of finding lateral solutions, giving direct “no bull” advice to clients, and getting the job done. Robert and his team at Sanicki Lawyers are dedicated lawyers that work hard for clients and find commercial solutions. The firm operates in an open and transparent manner regarding fees, including fixed fees based on scope of works for many services provided. This allows clients to monitor and budget for their legal costs.

Rob has expertise in the following sectors:

  • 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;
  • Company and Corporate advice: Corporations Law – Director’s duties, corporate compliance and ASIC prosecutions of directors;  Establishing companies in Australia for foreign companies; General commercial, corporate advice and consultancy, shareholder/unit holder agreements and buyouts; Oppression actions and statutory demands for winding up and insolvency;
  • Business and Corporate M&A work: Mergers and Acquisitions of a small to large business enterprises including due diligence processes;
  • Retail and Commercial Leasing: Retail leasing, property and development projects, joint venture syndicates;
  • Contractual matters: Contract review tenders and trade practices law (Competition and Consumer Act 2010); Licensing and distribution, commercial and contractual agreements, software licensing and development agreements;
  • Childcare and Early Learning Sectors: Child Care and Early Learning Centre Sector – Investors, Developers and Operators;
  • Medical and Allied health: Pharmacies and medical practise sale and purchase;
  • Renewable Energy Law: Power Purchase agreements in the solar and renewables sector.

 

Robert is also a member of:

  • Franchise Council of Australia (FCA)
  • International Franchise Lawyers Association (IFLA)
  • Australian Institute of Company Director (AICD)
  • Global Law Network
  • Resident Director and Public Agent for overseas companies in the USA, India and Canada
  • Advisory Board Member to Franchisor and New Energy companies
  • Advisor to NFP’s Aid Hub International

Kristen Attard

Senior Associate

Kristen joined Sanicki Lawyers in 2022, where she primarily practices in corporate, commercial, and property law. Kristen was admitted to practice in 2016 and holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, majoring in 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/unitholder 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;
  • Reviewing and preparing Loan Documents – acting for Lenders and Borrowers;
  • Assisting not-for-profit organisations with the setup and/or review of their structure, including navigating legal requirements for registration and providing advice in relation legal compliance;
  • Wills and Estates – assisting with the preparation of Wills and administration of Estates.

 

Outside of work, Kristen loves spending time with her family, including:

  • taking her son to swimming;
  • chasing her son around at parks; and
  • going to the footy to support her beloved Richmond Tigers;
  • trying new restaurants; and
  • watching movies and tv shows.

 

Randima Perera

Senior Associate

Randima joined the firm in November 2023 and focuses primarily on commercial law, specialising in franchising, leasing, mergers and acquisitions of small to large businesses, licensing and distribution, commercial and contractual agreements, shareholder/unitholder agreements and disputes and general commercial matters. She also has substantial experience in commercial property law.

Randima was admitted to practice in 2019, having completed her practical legal training at the College of Law. She holds a double degree of a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Public Relations, having graduated from the Queensland University of Technology in 2019. Before and after her admission, Randima gained diverse experience in retail and commercial leasing, residential and commercial tenancy disputes, residential and off-the-plan conveyancing and commercial property transactions across the Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria jurisdictions.

With her broad legal background, she takes great pride in providing her clients with clear, practical guidance throughout the course of their transactions. She approaches each matter with dedication, ensuring that every detail is meticulously addressed and that the transaction proceeds efficiently. She thrives on applying her attention to detail and legal expertise to navigate complex matters, transforming challenging situations into successful commercial outcomes.

Testimonials

Exceptional service from Sanicki Lawyers. I worked with Peter Haug, who was calm, patient and kind throughout the process of my commercial lease negotiations. I would never hesitate to recommend Peter and the team at Sanicki Lawyers, and will certainly use their firm again for my business.
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— Julia N
Robert is the only lawyer I have met who openly shares and networks his clients to foster business relationships. He helps match capabilities and aspirations to create partnerships, getting ambitions and dreams fulfilled and things done. I have found Sanicki Lawyers and their staff to be first rate and very attentive. I would highly recommend them in areas of their expertise.
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— Will P
As a Business Broker I was introduced to Sanicki Lawyers in late 2022. Since then, I have used them for almost all of the Vendors who have sold their Business through me. By having a Sanicki lawyer involved I feel peace of mind knowing the deal has every chance of coming to fruition. I can honestly say that Darren, along with his wonderful team, have saved deals for me on several occasions. Sanicki’s end to end service makes my business life much less stressful.
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— Steve P

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