Small to Medium Size Businesses (SMEs)

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

Jonathan practises primarily in defamation law, litigation and commercial law. He is known for providing thorough guidance and reassurance to his clients during all stages of complex legal matters. He has acted on both sides of defamation matters involving all kinds of print and online publications, including major daily newspapers and social media. Jonathan’s comprehensive understanding of defamation law enables him to advocate fiercely for his clients, whether in pursuing or defending defamation claims. His successful defamation cases have included:

• Spencer v McKay [2023] VCC 2238
• Lorbek v King [2022] VSC 218 (trial) and [2023] VSCA 111 (appeal)

Jonathan has extensive experience in civil litigation, having acted in Courts and Tribunals of all levels. With a commercially minded approach to dispute resolution, he has a track record of negotiating successful outcomes without commencing legal proceedings, as well as the efficient resolution of defended matters.

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 small and medium-sized businesses across a diverse range of industries, including retail, hospitality, manufacturing, real estate, construction, health and media.

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

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 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.