Rigby Cooke Lawyers

Black Dog Institute comes to Rigby Cooke Lawyers for National Mental Health Month October is Mental Health Month — a time for us to reflect on our mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether we have personal experience with mental illness. This month underscores the importance of maintaining good mental health in our daily lives and encourages seeking support when needed. Last week, we welcomed Dr Sarah Barker, a Clinical Psychologist and Psychology Board of Australia-Approved Supervisor from the Black Dog Institute, to raise awareness of mental health in the workplace. Did you know that 1 in 5 Australians (that’s around 5 million people) will experience symptoms of mental illness in any given year; and almost half of all Australian adults (approximately 7.3 million people) are expected to experience mental ill-health at some point in their lives. Our Head of People & Culture, Katrina Cheesewright, facilitated a Q&A session in which Dr Barker shared her expertise on mental health in the workplace. She outlined the risk factors (largely cultural) and discussed how we can maintain well-being. She also talked about the telltale signs of someone experiencing mental health issues and provided helpful advice on how to approach and support them. The Black Dog Institute is a proudly independent, globally renowned not-for-profit mental health research institute affiliated with UNSW Sydney. It is the only medical research institute in Australia that investigates mental health across the lifespan—from childhood to adulthood. With a focus on better treatments, better programs, and a deeper understanding of mental health, their aim is to create real-world change that improves mental health outcomes for all Australians by translating research into practical, evidence-based solutions. To learn more about the Black Dog Institute, including their research, resources, support, and available education and services, click here >> https://bit.ly/48pMltZ #RigbyCookeLawyers #Melbournelawyers #lawyers #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters

Rigby Cooke Lawyers’ Thalia Livadaras – candidate in the 2024 Law Institute of Victoria’s Board Election   We are delighted to share that Thalia Livadaras, Senior Associate in our Wills, Trusts & Estates team, is a candidate in the 2024 LIV Board Election.   Commenting on her nomination, Thalia said: “I am immensely proud to have been nominated for the LIV Board election. It’s an enormous honour to represent the LIV and its members’ interests, and if elected, I look forward to contributing to the continued development and improvement of our profession.” Voting is now open and closes at 5 pm on Monday 11 November. To be eligible to vote you must be a full practising member. Affiliate, graduate and student members, and Incorporated Legal Practices do not have voting entitlements. To read Thalia’s profile and vote for her, click here >> https://bit.ly/48nQNJz The partners and staff congratulate Thalia on her nomination and wish her success in her candidacy for the LIV Board Election. #RigbyCookeLawyers #Melbournelawyers #lawyers #auslaw #LIV

Tax alert: When is a beer a 'beer'? New ATO guidance causes headaches for manufacturers On 28 August 2024, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) issued a draft of its Excise Determination ED 2024/D2 (Draft Determination) outlining the Commissioner’s views on the definition of ‘beer’ for the purposes of excise duty. The effect of this draft guidance is to narrow the definition of 'beer', meaning that alcoholic beverages which do not fall within that definition will be subject to higher rates of excise duty. In our latest Tax alert, Tamara Cardan,Tax Counsel, provides an overview of the Draft Determination, including the definition of 'beer' for excise purposes and applicable rates. She explains how the Draft Determination adds a layer of complexity for manufacturers who have relied on the reduced excise rates payable on beer products to ensure their businesses remain viable. Read more >> https://bit.ly/4fb5q5h If you would like to discuss the Draft Determination in respect of the products that you manufacture, or require advice regarding an ATO investigation or audit regarding excise duty on your alcoholic beverages, please contact: Tamara Cardan, Tax Counsel — Tax, on +61 3 9321 7862 Andrew Hudson, Partner — Customs & Trade, on +61 3 9321 7851 #RigbyCookeLawyers #lawyers #taxlawyers #ato #exciseduty #beer #manufacturing #auslaw

Customs & Trade alert: Transition to the Administrative Review Tribunal and inquiry into Australia’s sanctions regime The new Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) will officially commence operations on 14 October 2024, replacing the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. The Attorney-General’s Department alongside the ART and various decision-making agencies are coordinating efforts to ensure a smooth transition takes place. In July 2024, the Senate initiated a parliamentary inquiry into Australia’s sanctions regime, which was referred to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Reference Committee to conduct the inquiry. The inquiry aims to evaluate the current framework and is due to report by 11 February 2025. In our latest Customs & Trade alert, Alexander Uskhopov 文龙 — Associate in our Customs & Trade group breaks down the details of the new Administrative Review Tribunal as well as the parliamentary inquiry into the effectiveness of Australia's sanction regime. Read more >> https://bit.ly/4eVVs7N If you would like to discuss the new ART or the inquiry into Australia’s sanctions regime, please contact a member of our Customs & Trade team below: Andrew Hudson, Partner, on +61 3 9321 7851 Alexander Uskhopov 文龙, Associate, on +61 3 9321 7806 #RigbyCookeLawyers #MelbourneLawyers #customs #trade #ART #AAT #sanctions #parliamentaryinquiry #auslaw

Wills, Trusts & Estates alert: Should you register your domestic relationship? In Australia, the dynamics of relationships have evolved significantly, with many couples choosing domestic partnerships. As of 2021, approximately 8.7 million people were married in Australia, while over 2.1 million were engaged in domestic relationships (often unregistered) according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. While these partnerships may offer similar benefits to marriage, such as recognition under family law, they can also lead to complex legal challenges, particularly concerning estate matters. In our latest Wills, Trusts & Estates alert, Thalia Livadaras — Senior Associate explores the intricacies of registering a domestic relationship in Victoria, the legal implications of such registration, and the potential pitfalls that unregistered partners may face in the event of a partner's death. Read more >> https://bit.ly/3ZLLnWv If you would like further information about the impact of registering your relationship or are interested in making a Will, please contact a member of our Wills, Trusts & Estates team below: Rachael Grabovic, Partner & Notary Public, on +61 3 9321 7826 Christian Teese, Partner, on +61 3 9321 7983 Thalia Livadaras, Senior Associate, on +61 3 9321 7881 Marcus Schivo, Senior Associate, on +61 3 9321 7892 Ashwin Reddy, Associate, on +61 3 9321 7868 #RigbyCookeLawyers #Melbournelawyers #lawyers #willsandestateplanninglawyers #estateplanninglawyers #willsandestates #defactorelationship #domesticrelationship #auslaw

Customs & Trade alert: What’s the fuss on de minimis? 'De minimis non curat lex' is the principle that the law is not concerned with insignificant or minor matters. The maxim is often referred to as 'de minimis' and has worked its way into international trade matters providing that transactions at low values should not attract customs duties or other border taxes. The aim of the regime is to facilitate these transactions at little cost to the purchaser of the goods given the low value of the goods.  However, the massive increase of low-value purchases through e-commerce during and since the Covid-19 pandemic has meant a massive increase in de minimis transactions, which are harder for border agencies to monitor and create a cost for border agencies that is not recovered in costs to process the transactions. In our latest Customs & Trade alert, Andrew Hudson — Partner in our Customs & Trade group looks at Australia’s experience in dealing with low-value transactions and practices overseas. Read more >> https://bit.ly/3TTgrjA If you are an individual or Australian business and would like to discuss how the potential changes to the handling of low-value transactions could affect your business, please contact a member of our Customs & Trade team. Andrew Hudson, Partner, on +61 3 9321 7851 Alexander Uskhopov 文龙, Associate, on +61 3 9321 7806 #RigbyCookeLawyers #MelbourneLawyers #customs #trade #deminimis #lowvaluetransactions #auslaw #dcn

Rigby Cooke Lawyers is recruiting for a Litigation and Dispute Resolution Associate. Apply today! We have an exciting opportunity for an Associate to join our Litigation & Dispute Resolution team. We seek someone who is motivated, resilient and ready to be committed to providing a ‘client-centric’ experience whilst working with key internal and external stakeholders. In this role, you will work on a range of commercial matters for a diverse client portfolio, including drafting and finalising advice, drafting court documents and applications; court appearances and reviewing legal research. To be successful in this role, you will need: a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor; a Victorian Practising Certificate; knowledge of legal procedures; three to four years post-qualification experience; and at least three years experience within a commercial litigation practice group. To learn more about this opportunity and to apply, click here>> https://bit.ly/4ehX6ke

Rigby Cooke Lawyers is recruiting for a Corporate and Commercial Associate/Senior Associate. Apply today! Rigby Cooke Lawyers has a great opportunity for a fourth or fifth-year corporate and commercial lawyer to join our entrepreneurial Corporate & Commercial practice group. The successful candidate will work on a range of commercial matters for a diverse client portfolio including commercial contracts, commercial advisory and regulatory advice, and mergers and acquisitions. Candidates who possess experience in intellectual property, privacy and data protection are also encouraged to apply. To be successful in this role, you will need at least four years’ experience as a corporate and commercial lawyer; strong research and legal drafting skills; excellent communication skills, both written and oral; and excellent technical, organisational and time management skills. To learn more about this opportunity and to apply, click here >> https://bit.ly/3XYVMNx #RigbyCookeLawyers #Melbournelawyers #lawyers #corporatelawyer #commerciallawyer #nowhiring #nowrecruiting

Introducing Mark Gomez, Associate, in our Property group We are delighted to introduce Mark Gomez, Associate in our Property group. Having recently joined Rigby Cooke Lawyers, Mark brings extensive experience in commercial property and leasing, property development and commercial law. He regularly acts in matters involving listed corporations, multinational corporations, and incorporated associations. Additionally, his experience in corporate finance, advising on drafting and negotiating loan facility and security documents, complements his property practice. Mark joins our esteemed Property group comprising Tim Kelly — Partner, Bill Karvela — Partner, Michael Gough — Partner, Angela Foudoulis — Special Counsel and Biljana Stankovski — Associate. To read our media release in full and learn more about Mark Gomez, click here >> https://bit.ly/3TF18ei #RigbyCookeLawyers #Melbournelawyers #Lawyers #corporatelaw #commerciallaw #auslaw #propertylaw

Introducing Brighid Virtue, Associate, in our Corporate & Commercial group We are delighted to introduce Brighid Virtue, Associate in our Corporate & Commercial group. Brighid’s practice focuses on providing guidance on statutory and regulatory compliance, corporate governance, structuring, business and share sales and acquisitions, as well as drafting and negotiating commercial contracts. She also brings to the team a keen knowledge of Australian competition and consumer law, privacy and data protection, and intellectual property. Prior to joining Rigby Cooke, Brighid worked at Kalus Kenny Intelex as a commercial law associate where she gained a wealth of experience working with both local and international clients across various industries. Brighid joins our esteemed Corporate & Commercial group comprising Bill Karvela — Partner, Julia Cameron — Partner, Ian Rosenfeld — Partner, Michael Gough — Partner and Angela Foudoulis — Special Counsel. To read our media release in full and learn more about Brighid Virtue, click here >> https://bit.ly/4e4QCVC #RigbyCookeLawyers #Melbournelawyers #Lawyers #corporatelaw #commerciallaw #auslaw #privacylaw #dataprotection