Quarterly update
Work highlight examples
Disputes
Successfully resisted an application for summary judgment in the Magistrates’ Court of Queensland for an automotive client. By demonstrating that our client had real prospects of defending the claim and that the issues required determination at trial, the team persuaded the Plaintiff to discontinue the application before the hearing, saving significant time and costs.
M&A
- Advised Schutz Australia Pty Ltd on its acquisition of 100% of the shares in DCML Hodgson Pty Ltd. This acquisition integrates DCML’s industrial container cleaning and recycling expertise into Schutz’s operations.
- Advised Steel Pavilion Pty Ltd in its strategic acquisition of 100% of the shares and units in MKM Structural Steel, a structural steel services business with detailing, steelworks, fabrication and structure erection capabilities.
Franchising
Finalised a largely automated process to roll out over 300 franchise agreements and related documents for an automotive manufacturer.
ACL
Delivered a multi-session training program on behalf of two global car companies to their dealer networks on consumer guarantees in the context of customer complaints.
Marketing
Advised a global brand on the negotiation of a long-term sponsorship of a major Australian sporting league
Pro bono
Successfully acted for a pro bono client to have a default judgment in the Magistrates’ Court withdrawn by consent, after identifying incorrect service of the Complaint. The matter was then resolved on commercial terms.
Out and about
In November, Tiffany Lucas and Andrew Thompson attended the Australian Microcap Investment Conference, connecting with company leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing ASX-listed microcap companies. With M&A activity on the horizon, these conversations reinforced that early preparation and the right advice are essential to achieving the right outcomes.
Kaye Ho and Hannah Pike joined industry leaders and regulators at Accord Australasia’s Sunscreen Forum in Melbourne. With debates ranging from testing standards to ingredient approvals, they’ve distilled the key takeaways into a quick read for anyone keeping an eye on the sector’s next steps.
Earlier this month, Ines Balint and Andrew Maher attended ADIA’s panel event in Sydney on the future of work, leading discussions on AI, graduates and the skills shaping tomorrow’s workforce. The big takeaway? Resilience and adaptability matter most as technology transforms the employment landscape.
At the end of November, Peter George and Katherine Thomas attended the Australasian Practice Management Association’s Executive Edge program with Mark Cohen and Mark Smolik, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer, DHL Supply Chain Americas. The event provided an opportunity to consider the macro forces shaping the legal industry and hear the perspective of an experienced legal services buyer on how law firms best add value for in-house legal teams.
Coming up
We’re delighted to announce our partnership with the Melbourne Food + Wine Festival 2026. Over the last quarter, we’ve been working behind the scenes to provide legal support to the MFWF team as they plan what will be the biggest and best yet MFWF across 10 days in March. This partnership is an exciting manifestation of our already strong presence in the food and beverage sector and we can’t wait for the festival to start!
People news
Ranni Higgins
- On 1 December, Ranni Higgins joined our team as our Operations Lead. Calm, considered, and endlessly organised, she brings experience in operations, systems, project delivery, and process improvement, helping our team work smarter and our business run smoothly.