Raynia Theodore is a Principal in the Corporate Advisory, Commercial and Franchising team at MST Lawyers. Raynia has extensive experience in commercial law, franchising law and leasing law. Raynia acts for many well known domestic retail chains and franchise brands in a variety of industries. Raynia’s expertise also extends to international franchisors who export to Australia or are considering expanding their operations into Australia.
Raynia dedicates her practice to advising franchisors in all aspects of franchising. Specifically, Raynia has expertise in:
- Structuring, restructuring and asset protection for franchise networks
- Acquisition and disposal of businesses, in particular, franchise networks
- Master franchising and area development arrangements
- Advising master franchisees, including the review of franchise documentation
- Drafting franchise agreements and disclosure documents for franchisors
- Franchising Code of Conduct compliance
- Competition and Consumer Act and Australian Consumer Law compliance, specifically in relation to pricing and supply issues, misleading or deceptive conduct, unconscionable conduct and good faith claims
- Working with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
- Updating standard form agreements for franchisors to take into consideration changes to the laws pertaining to unfair contract terms.
- Adapting unit and master franchise documents for many international franchise brands entering the Australian market.
Raynia also has extensive experience in retail and commercial leasing, and an intimate knowledge of retail legislation in all states of Australia. Raynia conducts lease reviews, negotiation of lease terms and prepares standard leases and ancillary disclosure documentation for national chain tenants.
Areas of Expertise
Industry Experience
- Franchising
- Retail
- Real estate
Qualifications/Admissions
- Bachelor of Economics Monash University
- Bachelor of Laws Monash University
- 1994 – Admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria
- 1995 – Admitted to the High Court of Australia
Memberships
- Law Institute of Victoria (since 1995)
- Franchise Council of Australia (since 1998)
- International Bar Association – International Franchising Committee Liaison Officer
Significant Achievements
Our contributions to the franchising sector have been acknowledged through numerous awards and recognitions.
- Raynia Theodore was named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers® for Franchise Law, Melbourne, Australia (2023)
MST Lawyers was recognised in The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2025 for our work in Franchise Law. - Raynia Theodore was just named 2026 Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” in the Melbourne Area for Franchise Law in
Melbourne. - MST Lawyers has just won Best Law Firms – Australia (2026 Edition) Metropolitan Tier 1, Melbourne, Franchise Law.
- Raynia has been named a finalist in the FCA Awards 2025
- Since 2015 – Listed as a franchising specialist in the International publication, Who’s Who Legal.
These accolades reflect our unwavering dedication to providing best-in-class legal services to franchisors and franchisees