Business Franchise Australia features DMAW Lawyers' Seva Surmei - March 2025

DMAW Lawyers' franchise law expert Seva Surmei was recently featured in Business Franchise Australia with her article "Key Changes To Australia's Franchising Code of Conduct".

In her article, Seva breaks down key legal insights to help franchisors and franchisees navigate the latest changes — which come into effect today, 1 April.

Check out the full article (pg 48-49) in Business Franchise Magazine and discover how expert legal advice can help you protect and grow your business.

Our franchise lawyers represent both franchisors and franchisees with Adelaide-based, national and international operations in a range of industries, including financial services, real estate, hospitality and retail. We are a trusted long-term adviser to many iconic Adelaide-based and South Australian franchisors, regularly assisting in-house legal teams, risk and compliance teams, management and boards with their operational needs and significant projects.

If you’re a start-up franchisor, we’ll advise you about establishing franchise structures, and produce all the documents needed to commence your franchising business. We’ll also help you comply with the Franchising Code of Conduct and other specialist laws.

Principal Seva Surmei leads our franchise law team. Seva was named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for Franchise Law in the Adelaide area in 2024 and 2022, an accolade which is only awarded to a single lawyer in each practice area and jurisdiction. Seva was also recognised in The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2025 for her work in Franchise Law.

Find out more about how our expert franchise law team can assist your business here.