Sandy leads our Corporate & Commercial and Intellectual Property (IP) practices. With over 50 years of experience and a particular interest in wine, agribusiness, ICT and private health insurance, he is able to advise on commercial and IP issues of all kinds.

These range from corporate fundraisings and due diligence for asset acquisitions to competition and consumer law, privacy issues and advising technology companies and research centres on the commercialisation of new technologies. Sandy’s vast expertise and experience also includes advising clients on a range of taxation issues, including the tax implications of transactions, structuring options and estate and succession planning.

Sandy has accumulated numerous individual accolades, including recognition in Best Lawyers Australia in the areas of Intellectual Property, Corporate Law and Agriculture & Rural Affairs, and acknowledgement as the “patriarch” of SA’s IP market in Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession.

Sandy's Featured Articles

View All
February 25, 2025 Beware of Trade Mark Email Scams
Intellectual Property (IP)
October 08, 2024 Transferring Intellectual Property in a Business Sale
Intellectual Property (IP)

Memberships

International Bar Association

 – Committee Member

International Wine Law Association

 – Committee Member (former Vice President of Australian Chapter)

Law Council of Australia (Business Law)

 – Intellectual Property Committee Member

Law Society of South Australia

 – Commercial Law Committee and representative for the State Taxation Consulting Group

Wine Industry Suppliers Australia 

– Wine Industry Impact Awards Judging Panel

Awards

Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession Listings:

  • Preeminent Intellectual Property Lawyer – South Australia, Since 2017
  • Leading Technology, Media & Telecommunications Lawyer – South Australia, Since 2015
  • Leading Agribusiness Lawyer – South Australia, 2016 , 2017, 2019 & 2020

Best Lawyers in Australia Listings:

  • Adelaide Intellectual Property Law Lawyer of the Year, 2016 & 2019
  • Adelaide Agriculture & Rural Affairs Lawyer of the Year, 2018
  • Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Since 2011
  • Commercial Law, Since 2018
  • Corporate Law, Since 2011
  • Education Law, Since 2024
  • Intellectual Property Law, Since 2011
  • Information Technology Law, Since 2018
  • Privacy and Data Security Law, Since 2024

What Client's Say

It is my pleasure to provide this testimonial for Sandy Donaldson. My company, Police Health has engaged with Sandy and his team for the last 20 years and the length of that relationship speaks volumes for its value to the company and the individuals who have had the pleasure of working with him. Sandy really believes in ensuring the best outcome for his clients and the energy and expertise that he applies to his work is second to none. Sandy (and I ) clearly enjoy building relationships that are based on trust and respect, this relationship allows for frank and open dialogue, teamwork and high level engagement. All of these qualities are essential to an optimal outcome.

Peter Shanahan

Police Health