Commercial Lawyers Melbourne

Celia joined Sanicki Lawyers in 2026, practising in Commercial Law, Retail and Commercial Leasing, Franchising, Intellectual Property Law, and Estate Planning and Administration.

Celia was admitted to practice in 2020. She holds a Juris Doctor from Monash University, a Master of Arts and Entertainment Management from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Dramatic Arts (Technical Production) from the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA).

Celia has expertise and experience in:

• Contractual matters: reviewing, negotiating and drafting agreements, including service, consultancy and contractor agreements, preparing terms and conditions.
• Retail and commercial leasing: acting for landlords and tenants.
• Commercial transactions: acting for vendors and purchasers in relation to the sale of businesses and share sales.
• Franchising: acting for franchisors and franchisees in transactions and compliance matters.
• Trade mark law: assisting clients with applications and transfers in Australia and internationally; advising in relation to alleged infringements.
• Corporate structuring: including preparing shareholder agreements; interpreting and amending trust deeds.
• Estate planning and administration: drafting wills, enduring powers of attorney and appointments of medical treatment decision makers; and acting for executors/administrators in obtaining Grants of Probate or Letters of Administration.

Previous clients have commended Celia on her ability to guide them through legal processes, her attention to detail, her practical problem-solving approach to achieving commercial outcomes, and her calm and personable manner.

Prior to practicing law, Celia had an established career as a Stage and Production Manager in the creative industries in which she worked for many of Australia’s leading companies, festivals and venues in the corporate, non-profit and government sectors. Celia was also a sessional lecturer and tutor at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) and Deakin University.

Career highlights included being part of the stage management team delivering the pre-match entertainment for numerous AFL Grand Finals, working in stage and orchestral management for international opera companies and concert artists touring Australia, and coordinating Sydney Festival’s music program at the Sydney Opera House.

Since 2021, Celia has volunteered as a Concert Coordinator of the Lyrical Lunchtime Concerts at the Supreme Court Library for BottledSnail Productions, the Melbourne legal profession’s performing arts for wellbeing initiative.

Outside the office, Celia enjoys indulging in gourmet experiences, is a test cricket and tennis enthusiast, delights in attending a wide range of music, arts and cultural events, travelling and spending time in nature, especially in coastal environments.

Patrick joined Sanicki Lawyers in 2025 as a key member of the commercial law team. Since his admission to practice in 2021, Patrick has built a diverse legal foundation, gaining experience across franchising, corporate and commercial law, retail and commercial leasing and commercial litigation. His versatility and pragmatic approach make him a dynamic legal adviser for a broad range of our clients.

Patrick has developed a strong focus in franchising, acting for both franchisors and franchisees across various sectors. He provides expert advice on franchise compliance, structuring, transactions and dispute resolution.

Patrick also advises on general commercial and corporate matters such as preparing and negotiating shareholder agreements, share sales, business sales and leases.

He is committed to building lasting relationships with clients and takes pride in helping their businesses grow and guiding them through complex legal challenges with clear and tailored advice aligned with client business goals.

Areas of Practice

• Franchising: Franchisors & Franchisees;
• Corporate and Commercial:;
• Retail and Commercial Leasing: Tenants & Landlords;
• Commercial Litigation

Outside of the office, Patrick is a passionate supporter of the Western Bulldogs and Liverpool FC. He’s also an avid fan of books and film and he is always happy to exchange recommendations!

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

Peter joined Sanicki Lawyers in May 2019 as Special Counsel. He brings over 40 years’ experience as a commercial lawyer, having 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;
• Commercial Disputes, including Alternative Dispute Resolution;
• Insolvency;
• Debt Recovery.

Peter also specialises in Estate Planning and Deceased Estates, including:

• Advising on and drafting Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Appointments of a Medical Decision Maker;
•  Obtaining Grants of Probate or Letters of Administration in connection with deceased estates;
• Dealing with disputes arising out of deceased estates;
• Advising on the merits of challenging and/or contesting a Will on behalf of a disgruntled party, whether or not they be a named beneficiary.

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.

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 Bachelor of Legal and Dispute Studies 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 continuing to assist various businesses running monthly Trade Promotions with confidence, Tugce has been described as being incredibly attentive and reliable.

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.