We are committed to resolving disputes and achieving the most successful yet cost-effective outcomes for our clients. Our experienced litigation lawyers in Melbourne have dealt with disputes at a variety of levels, including contract disputes, business partnership or shareholder disputes, franchise disputes, intellectual property disputes, and commercial lease disputes. We handle all stages of the dispute, from letters of demand to alternative resolution methods to litigation. It is our view that most disputes can be resolved effectively without incurring the time, cost and uncertainty associated with formal litigation.
We can investigate every possible method of resolution, including by letter, mediation or arbitration, prior to issuing proceedings. When necessary, our team can run matters before any jurisdiction including the Victorian Small Business Commissioner, VCAT, the Magistrates’ Court, County Court, Supreme Court and Federal Court. Whether it’s commercial matters or personal disputes, our civil litigation lawyers are equipped to deliver practical solutions. With extensive experience in commercial litigation, we also represent clients in processes requiring a skilled dispute resolution lawyer or a trusted mediation and arbitration lawyer. Our track record includes successful litigation matters and many more that have been suitably resolved at early stages.
Natasha’s journey with Sanicki Lawyers began in February 2025 as a paralegal intern. She was kept on as a law graduate prior to her admission in May 2025, and now practises as a junior solicitor in Entertainment Law and Commercial Litigation. With a background in film and media, she believes deeply in the power of the arts to shape hearts, minds, and policy – and is driven by a passion for using the law to support the creative industries and spark positive social change.
Natasha holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne, where she double majored in Media & Communications and Screen & Cultural Studies, followed by a Juris Doctor from Melbourne Law School, and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from Leo Cussen. Her career journey has woven through corporate boardrooms (Ashurst; Deloitte), creative spaces (Red Bull Aston Martin Racing; impact film company Moonshine Agency), and a plethora of customer service roles; and she couldn’t be more thrilled to now be working with the wonderful Sanicki Lawyers team. Outside of work, Tash is a devoted film buff, live music enthusiast, passionate stress baker, and diehard football (soccer!) fan.
Grace Madafferi is a litigation lawyer at Sanicki Lawyers, practising across building disputes, employment law, banking and finance (including fraudulent transfers and irresponsible lending), defamation and probate.
Grace is a founding member of the firm’s Hospitality Law Team, specialising in liquor licensing matters. She advises licensees on compliance, defends infringement notices, and assists with regulatory investigations and prosecutions. Grace works closely with Special Counsel Terence O’Brien on complex matters under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998, Planning and Environment Act 1987, and EPA Noise Regulations. Her experience includes liaising with Victoria Police and Liquor Control Victoria. Grace also provides in-house compliance training to licensees and staff, ensuring they navigate the regulatory environment with confidence.
Grace holds a Bachelor of Laws and Business and was admitted to practice in 2023. While studying, she worked at Tiffany & Co., assisting with trademark enforcement and training Australian Border Force officers on counterfeit goods.
Grace is known for her practical legal advice, relationship building, strong communication, and strategic approach. She is an active member of the Victorian Women Lawyers Mentoring Committee and is a die-hard supporter of the Melbourne Football Club.
Nicole joined Sanicki Lawyers in November 2024 as a Paralegal Intern before progressing to a Paralegal role the following month. She now works as a Law Graduate, having completed her Bachelor of Laws in 2025 and Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice in 2026 through the College of Law.
Nicole primarily supports the Commercial Litigation and Hospitality teams across a broad range of matters. Drawing on her background in retail and hospitality, she brings a practical, client-focused perspective to her work. She is committed to providing clear, effective support and helping achieve outcomes that are both commercially sound and personally meaningful.
Outside of work, Nicole enjoys travelling and spending time outdoors. She is passionate about snowboarding and scuba diving and has pursued these interests in various destinations around the world. Nicole also volunteers with Prison Network, where she values the opportunity to contribute to and connect with the wider community.
Terence is an experienced litigation and liquor licensing lawyer with over 14 years of practice. His expertise spans contract and commercial disputes, property law, planning litigation, corporate governance, construction, insolvency, product liability, professional negligence, employment issues, and regulatory investigations and prosecutions.
As the founder of Sanicki Lawyers’ Hospitality Division, Terence has extensive experience advising and representing clients in liquor licensing matters, including investigations and prosecutions. His deep understanding of the complexities of liquor licensing law and enforcement, and the challenges faced by licensees in an uncompromising regulatory environment, allows him to provide strategic and practical solutions tailored to his clients’ needs.
Terence regularly appears in all Victorian Courts and Tribunals, as well as in Federal jurisdictions, providing comprehensive legal representation across various levels of the legal system.
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:
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.
