Rigby Cooke Lawyers

27/10/2026

Wills, Trusts & Estates alert: Parentage testing in family provision claims — establishing eligibility

A recent decision of the Supreme Court of New South Wales (NSW) in Pronesti v Napoli (No 2) [2026] NSWSC 856 required a plaintiff seeking family provision from a deceased estate to undergo a ‘parentage testing procedure’ (more commonly known as a ‘DNA test’) in order to establish his eligibility to bring the claim.

In our latest Wills, Trusts & Estates alert, Marcus Schivo examines a recent Supreme Court of NSW decision involving the role of DNA evidence in determining eligibility for family provision claims.

Read more >> https://www.rigbycooke.com.au/parentage-testing-in-family-provision-claims-establishing-eligibility/

Disputes concerning parentage can significantly affect the administration of an estate and the outcome of family provision proceedings. If you would like to discuss a family provision claim, estate dispute or issue involving parentage, 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, Special Counsel, on +61 3 9321 7881
Marcus Schivo, Senior Associate, on +61 3 9321 7892
Ashwin Reddy, Associate, on +61 3 9321 7868
Jenna Bayindir, Lawyer, on +61 3 9321 7891

In our latest Wills, Trusts & Estates alert, Marcus Schivo examines a recent Supreme Court of NSW decision involving the role of DNA evidence in determining eligibility for family provision claims.

20/10/2026

Customs & Trade alert: The US v Canada trade dispute — does this reflect the need for a ‘new world order’

The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, recently delivered a speech before the United Nations stating that the post-1945 international order was no longer “fit for purpose” and that the world will increasingly be dominated by the growing strategic tension between the United States (US) and China.

In our latest Customs & Trade alert, Andrew Hudson explores whether the trade tensions between the US and Canada are a sign of a changing world order and what this could mean for the future of international trade, cooperation and dispute resolution.

Read more >> https://www.rigbycooke.com.au/the-us-v-canada-trade-dispute-does-this-reflect-the-need-for-a-new-world-order/

As global trade continues to evolve, understanding the implications of tariffs, trade agreements and geopolitical developments is critical. If you require assistance navigating trade agreements, cross-border regulatory requirements or customs obligations, please contact a member of our Customs & Trade team below.

Andrew Hudson, Partner, on +61 3 9321 7851
Gigi Hancock, Lawyer, on +61 3 9321 7806

A version of this article was published in the Daily Newswire by The DCN.

In our latest Customs & Trade alert, Andrew Hudson explores whether the trade tensions between the US and Canada are a sign of a changing world order and what this could mean for the future of international trade, cooperation and dispute resolution.

15/10/2026

Rigby Cooke Lawyers’ Marcus Schivo presents on family provision claims at TEN The Education Network webinar

Yesterday, Marcus Schivo, Senior Associate in our Wills, Trusts & Estates group, presented ‘Family provision claims: The expanding risks of informal relationships’ as part of TEN The Education Network’s live webinar series.

Marcus’ presentation examined how evolving relationship structures are reshaping the issue of eligibility in family provision claims. He discussed the distinction between de facto and close personal relationships, evidentiary requirements for establishing eligibility, challenges arising from fee-for-reward arrangements, and recent judicial approaches to assessing claims. Marcus also shared practical strategies for identifying and managing family provision risks and advising clients on potential estate claims.

Commenting on the presentation, Marcus said: “Family provision claims continue to evolve as courts consider a wider range of personal and domestic relationships. Understanding the different pathways to eligibility is critical for practitioners advising both potential claimants and testators on estate planning and risk management.”

If you need assistance or advice on family provision claims, assessing eligibility, or protecting your estate from future challenges, please contact a member of our Wills, Trusts & Estates group below.

Rachael Grabovic, Partner & Notary Public, on +61 3 9321 7826
Christian Teese, Partner, on +61 3 9321 7983
Thalia Livadaras, Special Counsel, on +61 3 9321 7881
Marcus Schivo, Senior Associate, on +61 3 9321 7892
Ashwin Reddy, Associate, on +61 3 9321 7868
Jenna Bayindir, Lawyer, on +61 3 9321 7891

14/10/2026

Andrew Hudson delivers key insights on global trade at the Lighting Industry National Conference

Yesterday, Rigby Cooke Lawyers’ Andrew Hudson, Partner in our Customs & Trade practice, presented at the Lighting Industry National Conference held in Sydney.

Presenting on ‘How the trade makes the world go round’, Andrew provided an overview of the international foundations of the global trade system, Australia’s role in global commerce, and the regulatory framework governing Australia’s imports and export processes. He shared insights from his Customs & Trade practice, drawing on notable case examples, while highlighting emerging trade issues and their broader implications for businesses and supply chains.

Commenting on the presentation, Andrew said: “Customs and trade issues often extend beyond compliance. They can have significant operational and commercial consequences, making it critical for businesses to understand how these issues impact their broader objectives.”

The Lighting Industry National Conference is organised by Lighting Council Australia, the preeminent representative body for all sectors of the lighting industry.

If your business requires assistance with customs, import or export requirements, or broader international trade challenges, please contact a member of our Customs & Trade team below.

Andrew Hudson, Partner, on +61 3 9321 7851
Gigi Hancock, Lawyer, on +61 3 9321 7806

13/10/2026

Workplace Relations alert: The legal process employers must follow for redundancies

Australian businesses continue to face operational challenges, including global economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, increased labour costs and fluctuating demand. Businesses affected by these external pressures are conducting reviews of their operations to minimise costs and improve efficiency in their workforces to remain financially sustainable and competitive.

Increased market pressures means it may be commercially necessary for businesses to re-evaluate and restructure. However, in doing so employers must ensure that any redundancies are carried out lawfully and in accordance with the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (the FW Act), and any applicable modern award or enterprise agreement.

In our latest Workplace Relations alert, Maddy Lodge outlines the three requirements that must be met for a dismissal to be regarded as a genuine redundancy.

Read more >> https://www.rigbycooke.com.au/the-legal-process-employers-must-follow-for-redundancies/

If your business is considering redundancies as part of a restructure and you require assistance navigating your obligations under workplace laws, please contact a member of our Workplace Relations team below.

Victoria Comino, Partner, on +61 3 9321 7921
David McLaughlin, Partner, on +61 3 9321 7838
Sam Eichenbaum, Senior Consultant, on +61 3 9321 7886
Maddy Lodge, Associate, on +61 3 9321 7839
Andrew Gale, Lawyer, on +61 3 9321 7830

In our latest Workplace Relations alert, we outline the three requirements that must be met for a dismissal to be regarded as a genuine redundancy.

09/10/2026

Customs & Trade alert: To***co Enforcement Bill clears key parliamentary hurdle

Businesses involved in the supply chain should prepare for significant regulatory changes, following a key development in the progress of the Customs and Other Legislation Amendment (Illicit To***co Enforcement Modernisation and Other Measures) Bill 2026 (To***co Enforcement Bill).

On 17 September 2026, the To***co Enforcement Bill was referred by the Senate to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee (the Committee) for inquiry and report by 8 October 2026. The Committee has now completed its review of the To***co Enforcement Bill and recommended that it be passed without amendment.

In our latest Customs & Trade alert, Andrew Hudson provides an update on the progress of the To***co Enforcement Bill, outlining its advance through parliament and the potential implications of the proposed reforms for businesses involved in the to***co supply chain.

Read more >> https://www.rigbycooke.com.au/to***co-enforcement-bill-clears-key-parliamentary-hurdle/

For assistance in assessing how the proposed reforms may affect your business, please contact a member of our Customs & Trade team below.

Andrew Hudson, Partner, on +61 3 9321 7851
Gigi Hancock, Lawyer, on +61 3 9321 7806

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In our latest Customs & Trade alert, Andrew Hudson provides an update on the To***co Enforcement Bill.

06/10/2026

Manufacturing alert: Key contractual considerations for manufacturers navigating disruptions caused by conflict in the Middle East

Since the conflict in the Middle East began in February this year, Australian manufacturers have experienced a range of related business disruptions and have had to navigate complex legal and contractual issues.

Businesses with operations in the region are paying close attention; however, as readers will appreciate, the impact extends well beyond manufacturers with direct exposure to Iran or the Middle East. Disruptions to shipping routes, access to critical raw materials, and the increasing costs of doing business are also affecting manufacturers whose contractual relationships and arrangements are outside the conflict zone.

Australian manufacturers need to carefully consider their existing contracts and the terms to be included in any new contracts to ensure they understand, and protect as best they can, their legal position.

In our latest Manufacturing alert, Brighid Virtue shares examples of the key contractual terms that manufacturers navigating disruptions caused by conflict in the Middle East should consider.

Read more >> https://www.rigbycooke.com.au/key-contractual-considerations-for-manufacturers-navigating-disruptions-caused-by-conflict-in-the-middle-east/

If your business has experienced significant disruptions as a result of the Middle East conflict and you require assistance with navigating your contractual rights and obligations, please contact a member of our Manufacturing or Corporate & Commercial teams below.

Andrew Hudson, Partner, on +61 3 9321 7851
Ian Rosenfeld, Partner, on +61 3 9321 7850
Viviane Karoumbalis, Partner, on +61 3 9321 7807
Brighid Virtue, Senior Associate, on +61 3 9321 7880

Brighid Virtue shares examples of the key contractual terms that manufacturers navigating disruptions caused by conflict in the Middle East should consider.

05/10/2026

Join Andrew Hudson for Austrade webinar on ‘Managing supply chain disruption: mitigating risks and insurance’

On Tuesday 13 October, Andrew Hudson, Partner in our Customs & Trade practice, will join industry experts from across logistics, international trade, customs and credit sectors to discuss the state of global supply chains and what businesses can do to strengthen resilience.

Andrew will be joined by Iain Sharples, Head of Underwriting, Marine at SALT Marine Risks; Amanda Bradfield, Director at End to End Logistics; Stuart Anderson, Head of Credit Services and Collections at National Credit Insurance Brokers; and Annika Neill, Assistant Director, Trade Diversification Response at Austrade; for a panel discussion on:

> The current state of global supply chains.
> Insurance implications of freight disruptions.
> Practical strategies exporters can implement to mitigate risk.

Designed for Australian exporters, particularly SMEs, this webinar will provide valuable insights into the challenges shaping international trade and the steps businesses can take to respond effectively.

Commenting on the upcoming webinar, Andrew said: “With global supply chains continuing to face disruption, it is important for exporters to understand both the legal and commercial risks involved together with available insurances to mitigate those risks. I look forward to sharing insights that can help businesses navigate these challenges with greater confidence.”

This free webinar is open to all. For more information and to register for the webinar, click here >> https://export.business.gov.au/news-and-events/go-global-export-academy/export-academy-events/managing-supply-chain-disruption-mitigating-risks-and-insurance

30/09/2026

The Laws@Work: Episode 2 — Performance management

When performance concerns arise, taking the right approach from the outset can make all the difference.

In this episode of The Laws@Work, Victoria Comino is joined by Maddy Lodge to share some insights and their experience on performance management, including the role of performance improvement plans (PIPs) and the impact mental health can have on the process and outcomes. Whether you are a business owner or HR professional, this episode offers valuable insights into approaching performance management with clarity and care.

To listen to this episode of The Laws@Work, click here >> https://open.spotify.com/episode/2EJxr98sUS0Z9UY9VvRk8H?si=8x43XfZbS0iSvWM0Uo1grQ

Our Workplace Relations team can provide practical, strategic advice to help navigate performance management issues with confidence. If you need advice on managing performance, implementing PIPs or addressing related workplace issues, please contact a member of our Workplace Relations group below.

Victoria Comino, Partner, on +61 3 9321 7921
David McLaughlin, Partner, on +61 3 9321 7838
Sam Eichenbaum, Senior Consultant, on +61 3 9321 7886
Maddy Lodge, Associate, on +61 3 9321 7839
Andrew Gale, Lawyer, on +61 3 9321 7830

29/09/2026

Rigby Cooke Lawyers appoints Viviane Karoumbalis as Partner in its Corporate & Commercial group

We are delighted to announce the recent appointment of Viviane Karoumbalis as Partner in our Corporate & Commercial, Intellectual Property and Privacy & Data Protection practices.

Viviane joins Rigby Cooke Lawyers with more than 17 years’ experience advising Australian and international businesses on a broad range of commercial, intellectual property, technology, privacy, regulatory and real estate matters. She has worked with clients across diverse sectors including FMCG, technology, education, pharmaceuticals, property, real estate and government.

Recognised for her expertise in intellectual property and brand protection, Viviane advises organisations on the strategic development, commercialisation and enforcement of valuable intellectual property assets in Australia and overseas. Her practice also encompasses commercial contracting, technology and digital projects, consumer law compliance, privacy and data protection, procurement matters, and advising real estate agencies and industry participants on commercial and compliance issues impacting their operations.

Viviane is highly regarded for delivering practical, solutions-driven advice that enables clients to navigate complex legal and regulatory environments while achieving their business objectives. A respected thought leader in her field, she is a regular presenter and contributor on developments in intellectual property, privacy, artificial intelligence, Australian Consumer Law and marketing compliance.

Viviane’s appointment further enhances the firm’s Corporate & Commercial practice and reinforces Rigby Cooke Lawyers’ capability in intellectual property, technology, privacy and consumer law matters.

To read our media release in full and learn more about Viviane, click here >> https://www.rigbycooke.com.au/rigby-cooke-lawyers-appoints-viviane-karoumbalis-as-partner-in-its-corporate-commercial-group/

The partners and staff welcome Viviane and look forward to her continued success at the firm.

Rigby Cooke Lawyers is delighted to announce the recent appointment of Viviane Karoumbalis, Partner in our Corporate & Commercial, Intellectual Property and Privacy & Data Protection practices.