About

Who we are

At Baybridge, your success is our top priority. We work closely with you to help you achieve your goals, whether it’s expanding your franchise into new markets, assisting with complex transactions, buying or selling a business, or resolving a dispute. Our team of experienced lawyers provide the legal, strategic, and advisory services needed to support your growth.
With our deep understanding of the legal landscape, we provide the guidance and support you need to navigate the complexities of doing business across Australia. Our commitment to customer success defines how we measure our own success as a law firm – We guide, you grow.
Baybridge Lawyers

Our
Leadership

We’re Baybridge

At its core, Baybridge is a corporate and commercial firm with a strong focus on franchising, support for real estate agencies and dispute resolution and litigation. We provide interconnected legal, strategic and advisory services to a range of commercial and private clients both nationally and abroad. With unrivalled local knowledge as well as a proven track record, we support our clients across all borders. Our experts are united by a desire to redefine how professional services are offered. A progressive culture underpinned by exceptional work, collaboration and building client value means that our services are highly sought after.

Baybridge was established to provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional professional services firms. With our office located in Sydney’s CBD, we have all the hallmarks of a large firm, yet pride ourselves on providing clients with the attention they would expect from a small firm. Our team of professionals combine their expertise and networks to deliver efficient and measurable solutions.

Gus Skavronskas

Partner | Intellectual Property & Brands

Gus is a Partner specialising in intellectual property, brands and consumer law, with commanding expertise across all aspects of domestic and international trade mark practice.

Over a career spanning 20 years across two continents and two disparate legal systems, Gus has advised some of the world’s most recognisable brands, creatives and celebrities, Commonwealth and State governments, and high-profile businesses operating across diverse industries. He works closely with clients on the identification, protection, commercialisation, enforcement and global structuring of intangible assets.

Specialising in the technology, aviation, luxury and consumer goods sectors, Gus is known for his profound understanding of trade mark law and his meticulous, proactive approach to brand protection. He is particularly valued for anticipating potential vulnerabilities and advising early on strategic considerations, ensuring his clients’ brands remain secure worldwide. Clients consistently remark on his genuine care for their businesses, regarding him as both an outstanding lawyer and a trusted adviser.

A highly experienced and tenacious IP strategist, Gus is regularly called upon to advise Boards and C-suite executives on complex transactional and contentious matters. Recognised as a leading practitioner by World Trade Mark Review, he frequently appears in disputes before the Registrar of Trade Marks and the Courts.

Ed Madon

Chief Financial Officer

Ed Madon is the Chief Financial Officer at Baybridge, where he drives financial strategy, performance excellence, and commercial outcomes that enable sustainable growth and value creation.

With more than 20 years of senior finance and consulting experience, Ed has partnered with executive teams and boards to navigate growth, transformation and complex operational environments. He is a strategic leader with deep expertise in financial planning & analysis, performance management, governance, risk management and commercial decision support.

Ed is respected for his ability to turn financial complexity into clarity — providing disciplined insight that enhances strategic decisions, strengthens risk management and improves operational performance. His pragmatic, business-centric approach delivers measurable impact across organisations, helping leadership teams align financial strategy with organisational priorities and long-term outcomes.

Sam Manikis

Special Counsel | Property & Commercial

Sam is a Special Counsel primarily focusing on property and commercial law.

With over two decades of experience, Sam advises on a broad range of property and commercial matters, including commercial and retail leasing, conveyancing, development transactions, corporate and commercial deals, and complex property acquisitions and disposals.

Sam has extensive experience acting on high-value and multi-asset transactions, negotiating sophisticated commercial arrangements, and advising private clients and businesses across the full lifecycle of property ownership and commercial operations. He also regularly advises on probate and estate matters and represents clients in dispute resolution and tribunal proceedings.

Known for his practical, solutions-focused approach, Sam provides clear, commercially grounded advice and is committed to delivering efficient outcomes while managing legal and commercial risk.

Eric Louca

Partner | Commercial (Automotive)

Eric is a Commercial Partner practising within the automotive sector.

With over 18 years of automotive industry experience, Eric has worked across both private practice and in-house roles, including as General Counsel at Audi Australia and Hyundai Motor Company Australia.

He advises established and emerging automotive brands on matters including:

  • Dealer network establishment and franchise documentation
  • Franchising Code compliance and distributor–dealer disputes
  • Australian Consumer Law compliance, including advising and providing staff training on the proper handling of consumer claims, as well as advertising compliance
  • Competition law, including on pricing practices and anti-competitive conduct.

Eric’s strategic and commercial approach, combined with his dual perspective, make him a trusted advisor across the automotive industry.

Genevieve Hehir

Partner | Commercial (Automotive)

With close to a decade of automotive specific experience, Genevieve advises established and emerging brands across the full lifecycle of their Australian operations. She guides new entrants through their first steps into the market and supported legacy marques through their next phase of growth.

Her client base includes a portfolio of leading automotive distributors who rely on Genevieve as their de facto general counsel, including across:

  • Entity set-up and ongoing day-to-day commercial operations
  • Franchising and distribution arrangements
  • Australian Consumer Law compliance
  • Employment law
  • Regulatory investigations and notifications, including ACCC matters such as advertising and consumer guarantee complaints, and OAIC matters such as data breach notifications. 

Having studied in Shanghai at the East China University of Political Science and Law, she brings a rare perspective for overseas manufacturers entering or scaling within the Australian market. She also studied at the University of Cambridge with a focus on privacy law, a discipline increasingly central to automotive practice as connected vehicles, dealer management systems, and consumer data come under regulatory scrutiny.

Trusted by both franchisors and distributors, Genevieve guides clients with clarity and precision through complex transactions, daily operations, and the moments that matter most.

Legal Representation for Traffic Offences

Serious or consecutive traffic offences can result in the loss of your driver’s licence, significantly impacting both your personal and professional life.

Without a valid licence, everyday tasks such as commuting to work, attending client meetings, or even grocery shopping become challenging. A serious traffic offence can also harm your reputation, personal relationships, and career prospects.

Common offences that can lead to licence suspension or disqualification include:

  • Drink driving
  • Drug driving
  • Speeding offences
  • Driving while disqualified
  • Reckless or dangerous driving
  • Evading police


Our team has in-depth knowledge of court procedures that may allow individuals to retain their licences. With our legal expertise and first-hand experience in the court system, we provide strategic representation to assist clients keep their licence.

Defending Drug Charges – what you need to know.

Experienced Representation for Drug Charges. Drug offences are serious crimes that can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines. Common charges include:

  • Possession
  • Cultivation
  • Trafficking
  • Importation
  • Illegal supply of drugs

The severity of a charge depends on several factors, including the quantity of the prohibited substance, the nature of the offence, and any prior criminal history.

Our team has extensive experience handling both State and Commonwealth drug investigations. We understand the evidential thresholds prosecutors must meet to establish a case and can provide you with an experienced and tailored representation aimed at securing the best possible outcome.

Legal Representation for Assault Charges and AVOs

Assault charges are serious offences that require immediate and strategic legal guidance. These charges can include:

  • Common assault
  • Assault causing actual bodily harm
  • Domestic violence offences
  • Aggravated assault
  • Sexual assault
  • Historic sexual assault


In addition, an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) may be sought alongside criminal charges or as a standalone order, even in the absence of criminal proceedings. An AVO can have significant consequences, affecting your career, employment and ability to maintain contact with family members.

Our team has extensive experience handling AVO hearings and understands the complexities involved. We leverage our expertise to provide effective legal representation, ensuring the best possible outcome for your case.

Workplace Internal Investigations

Baybridge is widely recognised for delivering thorough and results-driven internal investigation services across various workplace issues, including harassment, discrimination, workplace safety violations, and employment disputes.

We assist companies and business leaders in conducting due diligence investigations to minimise risk, ensure regulatory compliance, and support critical business decisions. Additionally, we conduct in-depth internal investigations in response to allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing.

Our expertise extends to navigating complex Fair Work complaints and workplace sexual misconduct allegations, providing clients with strategic guidance and risk management solutions.

Baybridge offers investigative services across a wide range of industries, including:

  • Franchising,
  • Real Estate,
  • Building & Construction,
  • Aviation,
  • Fitness,
  • Education,
  • Financial Services, and
  • other corporate sectors.


With a commitment to discretion and professionalism, we help businesses maintain integrity, compliance, and workplace accountability.

Legal Representation for Regulatory Crimes

Our team has extensive knowledge of the key regulatory agencies involved in investigations and prosecutions of corporate and white-collar offences. These matters are typically pursued by agencies such as:

  • Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
  • Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)
  • Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
  • Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
  • Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA)
  • AUSTRAC: the national financial intelligence agency responsible for counter-terrorism and money laundering prevention.


Legal cases are often prosecuted by the NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) or the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP).

With a deep understanding of regulatory enforcement strategies, we provide strategic legal representation to protect our clients’ interests and reputations in high-profile, complex proceedings.

Legal Representation for White-Collar Crimes

White-collar and corporate crime encompasses a wide range of complex offences, including fraud, misappropriation of trust funds, insider trading, market manipulation, money laundering, and embezzlement for financial gain.

Investigations are typically conducted by the State Police Force or the Australian Federal Police (AFP), while prosecutions are managed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) or the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP).

Our experienced criminal defence team understands the investigative practices and legal procedures used by law enforcement agencies. We provide strategic guidance at every stage of an investigation and prosecution, ensuring you receive expert representation and the best possible outcome.

Scott Thomson

Lawyer | Litigation & Crime

Scott Thomson, former NSW Police Prosecutor, provides our clients with a unique perspective on legal matters. He has navigated the intricacies of the legal system, and now utilises his experience and knowledge to his advantage when working with our clients. Scott’s services cover a broad spectrum, including commercial litigation and dispute resolution, and criminal and traffic offence representation. His approach is centred around effective negotiation and personalised advocacy. Scott is committed to securing the best possible outcome for our clients, all while maintaining a timely and cost-efficient process.

Tanya Delkou

Partner | Corporate & Real Estate

Tanya Delkou is a Partner at Baybridge. She started her legal career at a law firm specialising in mergers & acquisitions and commercial & corporate law, and shortly after commenced practising law with a focus within the real estate industry. Tanya has also worked as a real estate agent in one of the largest real estate agencies in Australia, giving her leading knowledge on real estate compliance.

Tanya’s practice is focused on mergers & acquisitions, rent roll transactions, sale and purchase of shares and corporate structuring.

Racha Abboud

Partner | Commercial

Racha Abboud is a Partner at Baybridge and co-leader of the Commercial and Franchise team. A strategic advisor to businesses in Australia and internationally, Racha works with some of Australia’s most prominent brands, across various industries such as food, retail, fitness, pharmacy, automotive, and real estate. A leading authority in business and franchising, Racha challenges the status quo and delivers legal, and business advisory services uniquely tailored for each client.

Racha is an active member of the NSW Franchise Council of Australia Committee and championing Women in Franchising. In recognition of her professional achievements, Racha was named a Finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Commercial Partner of the Year in 2020, a Finalist in both, the Lawyers Weekly and Australian Lawyers Partner of the Year for Mentoring in 2023 and a Finalist in the Lawyers Weekly Corporate Partner of the Year in 2024.

Racha Abboud was recently included in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia for Franchise Law.

Rita Khodeir

Partner | Litigation & Intellectual Property

Rita Khodeir is a distinguished Partner at Baybridge, specialising in Litigation, Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property, and Trademarks. With over 20 years of professional experience, Rita has adeptly represented clients both in Australia and internationally.

Rita’s approach to litigation is shaped by her commercial insight and innovative thinking. She expertly navigates the intricacies of complex legal disputes with a proven track record. Her approach is aimed at achieving swift, efficient, and cost-effective resolutions for her clients.

As a Registered Trademarks Attorney, Rita consistently adopts a proactive approach to secure and protect her clients’ intangible brand assets. She also identifies opportunities to assist her clients to grow their brand and business. With this vision, she meticulously develops and executes potent IP strategies tailored for her clients. In 2021, her profound commitment and expertise in the field earned her the title of Notable Practitioner by the esteemed international IP publication, Managing IP.

Rita is deeply committed to protecting her clients’ rights, preserving her clients’ reputations, and ensuring their financial wellbeing.

Bianca Sevastos

Partner | Commercial

Bianca Sevastos is a Partner at Baybridge and co-leader of the Commercial and Franchise team, with unwavering dedication and expertise. Possessing an extensive background in franchising, licensing, commercial transactions, retail and commercial leasing, she has become an invaluable member of the firm.

Her comprehensive experience enables her to provide clients with expert advice on franchising compliance with the Code. Bianca is highly skilled in managing franchise systems on a day-to-day basis, adeptly handling the intricacies of maintaining relationships with suppliers and franchisees and ensuring smooth operations across the board.
Bianca’s expertise extends beyond domestic matters; she also advises international franchisors seeking to expand their businesses into the Australian market, as well as Australian-based franchisors looking to grow their operations internationally. Her guidance and strategic thinking have proven invaluable in assisting clients to navigate the complexities of cross-border business expansion.
Throughout her work, Bianca consistently demonstrates a commitment to excellence, professionalism, and client satisfaction, making her an essential part of the Baybridge team.

Marwan Kojok

Chief Executive Officer | Baybridge

As both Managing Director and CEO, Marwan wields his expertise in Corporate and Commercial law to empower businesses and drive their success.

With razor-sharp insights and a strategic mindset, Marwan crafts growth, distribution, and expansion strategies that ignite business potential. His deep understanding of the Franchise, Real Estate and Intellectual Property areas of Law, he offers an invaluable service. Renowned nationally and internationally for his expertise, Marwan’s contributions to these industries are unmatched. Clients benefit from his extensive knowledge and proactive approach, resulting in exceptional interactions and favourable outcomes.

Marwan doesn’t settle for being just a lawyer—he’s a reliable advisor, navigating clients through mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and joint ventures with finesse. When disputes arise, he tackles them head-on, employing his exceptional skills in dispute resolution and litigation, based on his 25 years of practice. Expanding on his legal craft, Marwan has been instrumental in navigating many brand mergers, acquisitions and established brands that have been international recognised.

As CEO, Marwan’s vision fuels Baybridge’s success. He crafts an empowering corporate environment where personal and professional growth flourish. This client-centric approach guarantees superior results while fostering a culture of excellence.