Hamilton Locke advises RSM Australia on the successful restructure of Balthazar Whisky Distillers
Hamilton Locke advised Brett Lord and Jonathon Colbran of RSM Australia in their capacities as voluntary administrators of Balthazar Whisky Distillers Pty Ltd (Balthazar) on the restructure of the whisky business, pursuant to a deed of company arrangement (DOCA). Balthazar formed part of Sovereign Brands, a US-based wine and spirits brand with products available in […]
ASIC Regulatory Guide 280: what it means for sustainability reporting in practice
The recent election outcomes have restored the certainty on the application of the Mandatory Climate-related Disclosures (AASB S2) coming into force this year. To support the reporting entities, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission has released a new Regulatory Guide on sustainability reporting. Need to know: RG 280 provides important guidance to entities about […]
Silenced no more? NDAs, sexual harassment and an employer’s positive duty
Are non-disclosure agreements and confidentiality clauses (NDAs) helping to address workplace sexual harassment — or just hiding it? The Respect@Work Report called out how NDAs often protect perpetrators and silence victims. Now, with class actions hitting two of Australia’s biggest mining companies, the pressure is on for employers. Our experts weigh in on best practices […]
M&A Report: 2024 year in review and future outlook
As the fog of macroeconomic and geopolitical complexities that contributed to a soft market in 2023 clears, 2024 saw a marked increase in dealmaking driven by strong investor confidence and availability of assets. Recognised in Mergermarket’s 2024 Global & Regional M&A Rankings, Hamilton Locke has advised on over 93 M&A deals valued at USD2.51 billion […]
ASIC releases its discussion paper on the rise and rise of private capital
Reporting, valuations, and regulation of private markets are under focus. This Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has released its discussion paper ‘Australia’s evolving capital markets: A discussion paper on the dynamics between public and private markets’. This follows the taskforce established by ASIC in 2024 to explore the need for additional regulation in private markets. The […]
Sophie Uhlhorn
Sophie is a highly skilled disputes lawyer known for strategically navigating complex commercial disputes, including regulatory investigations and enforcement, class actions, commissions and inquiries, and contractual disputes. With an impressive record of representing clients in some of Australia’s most notable criminal and civil competition prosecutions, she stands as a highly sought-after legal expert. Sophie is […]
James Patto
James is a leading Australian technology lawyer specialising in cybersecurity, privacy, and AI, with over a decade of experience advising on complex regulatory and technology challenges. He helps clients navigate evolving legal risks with clear, business-focused advice, turning compliance obligations into drivers of innovation, resilience, and competitive advantage. James has extensive expertise in privacy, data […]
Proprietary Estoppel and Kramer v Stone [2024] HCA 48
Estate planning is not merely a task to be checked off; it is a dynamic process that evolves with life’s twists and turns. Reinforced by the Kramer v Stone case, the decision highlights how proprietary estoppel can challenge planned legacies when promises and reliance are involved. This article delves into the doctrine of proprietary estoppel, […]
‘Establishing’ the Law: A Trade Mark Tale of Two Cities
Choosing and protecting a brand is a perennial problem for Australian business owners .In the recent case of Hemmes Trading Pty Limited v Establishment 203 Pty Ltd [2024] FCA 1100, the Federal Court has re-established the importance of due diligence when deciding a brand, and the significance and benefits of trade mark registration. What was the […]
Industrial Manslaughter Offences Now Passed in all Australian States and Territories
Key Takeaways: Industrial Manslaughter offences have now been passed in all Australian States and Territories. The stakes for officers and businesses in breaching safety laws have risen substantially in light of these reforms. Maximum penalties include up to life imprisonment for individuals and $20,000,000 for a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU). There is no consistency in Industrial […]
Australia’s Privacy Act Reforms – The beginning but (hopefully) not the end
“The Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 is a significant step forward for Australian privacy law. It begins the much-needed work of updating our privacy laws to be fit-for-purpose in the digital age.” The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP, Second Reading Speech, 12 September 2024 There is no question that Australia’s Privacy Act is […]
SAFE Notes: not so safe after all?
Simple Agreements for Future Equity (SAFEs) have become a popular capital raising tool for companies and in particular, start-ups, since their inception a decade ago. Although designed to enable companies access to early-stage capital without the complexity of traditional debt and equity mechanics, SAFEs can often prove to be a far-cry from “simple”, as the […]
