Sarah Pilcher

Sarah Pilcher
Senior Associate
LLB; DipBus; MComLaw
Ph: 306 1898

What do I do?

I advise business people on legal business issues.

This includes company ownership structures, shareholder agreements, sale and purchases of businesses, structuring agreements, and the entry and exit of shareholders including succession planning.

An area of particular interest to me is franchising. I enjoy looking at new franchise systems, reviewing and updating existing agreements, and reviewing agreements for clients looking at purchasing an existing franchise business. For example, so-called franchising agreements can be actually be 'licensing' or even distribution agreements, and it is important clients understand what they are going in to, before they structure or start a new business.

Advising clients on how to get their products or services to their markets is at the centre of what I do. This can be through advising on terms of trade, supplier / manufacturer agreements, or on limitations of liability and warranties.

Clients I work include entrepreneurs; listed and non listed companies; importers / exporters; manufacturers; suppliers; retailers; distributors and service providers of all sizes across all industries. Key to what clients require from their lawyers is around identifying and managing risk. This is an area my clients tell me I really help their businesses.

What do I enjoy about what I do?

Having been a client of law firms, I understand what is important to my clients, and can cut through to the real issues. I give advice that is practical and passes the 'common sense' test, while bring my wider experience and knowledge to bear for the good of the clients business. It's about getting things done, not getting in the way of getting things done, and keeping issues moving so the client can focus on their business and get the money in.

My background in business, in law, and my natural interest in things like distribution channels, joint venture arrangements, and importing / exporting all help me to add value to what clients are trying to achieve.

I really enjoy being able to educate clients or help them discover something that they hadn't thought about, or didn't know that might help their business, or save them in the long run.  I also really enjoy writing, and distilling ideas down to a consumable level for clients, while covering everything a contract or a piece of advice needs to.

What have I done in the past?

I have worked in business, outside of law including in HR for Caltex. I've work in small and large businesses so really understand the pressures of those positions and the importance of having robust legal documentation and advice to support what you need to achieve.

What would I be if I wasn't a lawyer?

I would be travelling, drinking good wine and coffee and reading! But that is subject to division 1 of Lotto which has so far evaded me. Realistically I would be working as an owner in a business similar to the businesses I now advise. I would also love to live and study overseas, doing more postgraduate work, and one day write a legal text, column or website.