What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 5pm Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm Thursday 8:30am - 5pm Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Shakenovsky & Associates

Home
Australia
Sydney, NSW
Shakenovsky & Associates

A dynamic, Sydney-based law firm with over 40 years of legal experience

Shakenovsky & Associates is a dynamic Sydney based law practice, with over 30 years of local and international experience. With powerful teamwork, commercial insight and client focus, Shakenovsky & Associates is able to guide and educate our clients on immigration, industrial relations and general legal issues. Our areas of practice include:
IMMIGRATION
EMPLOYMENT
COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS
COMMERCIAL & CIVIL LITIGATION
ESTATE PLANNING & WILLS
FAMILY LAW
CRIMINAL LAW

14/04/2026

NEW MARKET RELATED SALARY EVIDENCE - From 25 March 2026

⚖️ What has changed?

A new legal instrument updates how Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) can be worked out.

👉 Previously: AMSR was calculated using more rigid methods.

👉 Now: There is more flexibility in how AMSR is determined.

⚖️ New ways to calculate AMSR:

The amendments allow different approaches depending on the situation:

1. IF there’s an official pay framework (e.g. Fair Work award)...

➡️ Use that framework to determine salary.

2. IF there is an equivalent Australian worker...

➡️ Use actual employment records (like payslips or contracts) of that worker to set the salary.

3. IF there is NO equivalent Australian worker...

➡️ Use relevant market data or information (e.g. industry salary data, job ads, reports)

⚖️ These Changes Apply To:

a. Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage)

b. Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional)

c. Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)

d. Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme)

If you need Immigration Advice, contact us on (02) 9299 0255 or [email protected].

21/10/2025

Navigating the complexities of buying or selling a business requires expert legal guidance.

Shakenovsky & Associates acts as a 'one-stop shop', providing comprehensive legal support to ensure a seamless transaction.

Our experienced team can draft necessary documentation to assist in all facets of business sales, including:

• Preliminary stages, legal (not commercial) due diligence and disclosure

• Drafting or reviewing sale of business agreements

• Assets and contracts transfer

• Dealing with employees, existing employment agreements and independent contractors, as well as the assignment of all relevant agreements

• Property leases and the assignment of property leases

• Licence assignments

• Post-completion and ancillary documents

We manage the intricate legal process of the sale and transfer of businesses, allowing you to focus on your business objectives.

Contact Shakenovsky & Associates today to discuss your business sale or acquisition needs.

📞 (02) 9299 0255
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.rslawyers.com.au

22/09/2025

Charged with a criminal offence? At Shakenovsky & Associates, our experienced team is skilled in having criminal charges withdrawn or negotiated, thereby ensuring the most favourable and just outcomes for our clients.

We understand the stress and uncertainty you may be facing, and we are committed to protecting your rights and future at every stage.

For expert advice and strong representation, contact us today.

📞 (02) 9299 0255
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.rslawyers.com.au

10/09/2025

At Shakenovsky & Associates, we understand that employment disputes can be challenging for both employers and employees. One of the most critical aspects in resolving these matters is procedural fairness.

Procedural fairness, sometimes called “natural justice”, means ensuring that all parties are given a fair opportunity to present their case, respond to allegations, and have decisions made impartially. This principle is fundamental in Australian employment law and applies to disciplinary actions, dismissals, and workplace investigations.

Why is procedural fairness important?

• For employers: Following fair procedures reduces the risk of unfair dismissal claims and helps maintain a positive workplace culture.

• For employees: It ensures your voice is heard and your rights are protected throughout any workplace process.

If you have questions about procedural fairness or need guidance on employment matters, contact Shakenovsky & Associates. We’re here to help you navigate your rights and obligations with confidence.

📞 (02) 9299 0255
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.rslawyers.com.au

31/08/2025

The Full Court’s recent decision in Shinohara & Shinohara [2025] has fundamentally changed how property settlements are approached in family law. The Court has confirmed that “addbacks”, previously used to notionally include property no longer in existence in the asset pool, are no longer permitted under the amended Family Law Act. Instead, such assets must now be considered as part of the parties’ current or future circumstances, not as property to be divided.

Their Honours stated, “s 79(3)(a)(i) [of the Family Law Act] is clear: only the existing property of the parties is to be identified, and only that property is to be divided or adjusted.” [12]

What does this mean for you?

If you are going through a separation, the way your assets are assessed and divided may be very different from previous practice. Our experienced family law team can guide you through these changes and ensure your interests are protected.

Contact Shakenovsky & Associates today for expert advice on your property settlement.

📞 (02) 9299 0255
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.rslawyers.com.au

27/08/2025

Significant changes to English language test providers and required scores for Australian visa applications have been introduced, effective for tests conducted on or after 7 August 2025.

Two Sets of Requirements:

• If your English test was conducted before 7 August 2025, previous test scores and providers still apply, even if you lodge your application after this date.

• If your English test is conducted on or after 7 August 2025, new test scores and an expanded list of nine approved providers now apply.

Visa Subclasses Affected:

• Student (Sc 500)

• Temporary Graduate (Sc 485)

• Other subclasses requiring vocational, competent, proficient, superior, or functional English

Validity Periods:

• Student visas: Test must be no more than 24 months old at application or decision date

• Graduate visas: Test must be no more than 12 months old at application

• Other subclasses: Check specific requirements

Skills in Demand (Sc 482) visa:

• No change to English test requirements until 13 September 2025

For further details or tailored advice, contact Shakenovsky & Associates. Our experienced team is ready to guide you through these changes and ensure your application meets the latest requirements.

Stay informed. Stay compliant. Trust Shakenovsky & Associates for your immigration needs.

📞 (02) 9299 0255
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.rslawyers.com.au

25/08/2025

On 6 December 2024, the Subclass 858 Global Talent Visa made way for the Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa. Key changes include updated eligibility criteria and a renewed focus on Australia’s priority innovation sectors.

The Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa may be a viable option for highly talented individuals who have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement, as well as continued prominence and the ability to establish themselves as a valuable asset to the Australian community, in one of the following areas:

• Profession
• Academia and research
• Sports
• Arts

Applying for the Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa first requires submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI). Visa Applications can be made, with the support of an eligible nominator with a high standing in the same sector as the visa applicant, once an invitation is received from Immigration to apply.

At Shakenovsky & Associates, our experienced immigration team can guide you through every stage of the new process, ensuring your application meets the latest requirements.

Contact us today to maximise your chances of success with the new Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa.

📞 (02) 9299 0255
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.rslawyers.com.au

28/07/2025

The recent South African Constitutional Court decision in Democratic Alliance v Minister of Home Affairs (6 May 2025) has amended the law around dual citizenship for South Africans. Your automatic loss of South African citizenship under section 6(1)(a) of the South African Citizenship Act 1995 by acquiring another nationality and failing to first obtain dual citizenship, has been declared invalid.

However, this judgment does not apply to or affect those who lost South African citizenship under earlier laws (pre-1995) or by formally and officially renouncing South African citizenship. If you fall into the pre-1995 category and wish to renounce or recover your South African citizenship, the process can be complex.

Under section 26B of the South African Citizenship Act 88 of 1995, South African major citizens who enter or depart South Africa making use of a passport of another country are guilty of a criminal offence and may be liable for significant fines and/or a custodial sentence not exceeding 12 months. As such, South African diaspora with dual citizenship post-1995 are now left with 2 options enter and leave South Africa:

1. Formally renounce your South African citizenship; or
2. Keep your South African citizenship and maintain a valid South African passport.

South African minors are also affected by the Constitutional change. They, too, will have to formally renounce their South African citizenship or maintain valid South African passports for travel to and from South Africa.

With new procedures and potential backlogs at Home Affairs, expert legal guidance is more important than ever. Shakenovsky & Associates can help you draft and lodge your application to renounce South African citizenship and advise you generally on the changes and your options.

Contact us today for advice and to ensure your application is handled efficiently and correctly.

📞 (02) 9299 0255
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.rslawyers.com.au

25/07/2025

Existing Subclass 482 and 494 visa holders whose employment is terminated with their sponsor can now work elsewhere and have 180 days to find a new sponsor.

For more information and for any advice on employer-sponsored visas and nominations, contact Shakenovsky & Associates.

📞 (02) 9299 0255
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.rslawyers.com.au

22/07/2025

At Shakenovsky & Associates, we understand that immigration can be a complex journey. Our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth transition to your new life in Australia. Whether you're seeking a temporary visa, permanent residency, citizenship, or find yourself in a situation where your visa is soon to expire or has expired, we can assist.

Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in achieving your immigration goals.

📞 (02) 9299 0255
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.rslawyers.com.au

15/07/2025

Many don't realise that a well-crafted letter of demand can often resolve debt disputes without going to court.

At Shakenovsky & Associates, we excel in strategic approaches to debt recovery, saving you time and stress.

Let us help you reclaim what's yours.

📞 (02) 9299 0255
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.rslawyers.com.au

07/07/2025

You can create a Binding Financial Agreement (BFA) at any stage of your relationship.

Whether you're starting out, de facto, already married, or even after separation, a BFA can outline asset division and financial arrangements. It's a flexible tool to protect your interests and minimise disputes. Ensure it's fair and legally sound with expert advice.

Secure your financial future today with Shakenovsky & Associates.

📞 (02) 9299 0255
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.rslawyers.com.au

Address

Level 4, Suite 401, 191 Clarence Street
Sydney, NSW
2000

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 5pm
Thursday	8:30am - 5pm
Friday	8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

(02) 9299 0255

Website

http://www.rslawyers.com.au/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Shakenovsky & Associates posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Shakenovsky & Associates:

Shortcuts

Address
Telephone
Opening Hours
Alerts
Contact The Practice
Claim ownership or report listing

Featured

Empower Wills and Estate Lawyers

Want your practice to be the top-listed Law Practice in Sydney?