Building Strong Legal Foundations for Business
Contract Drafting & Review Lawyers in Sydney
Building Strong Legal Foundations for Business
We provide well-drafted agreements help reduce uncertainty, clarify expectations and minimise future disputes.
Led by Principal Solicitor Bryan Wong, CG Gillis & Co advises business owners, investors and companies on commercial contracts, shareholder agreements, partnership arrangements and a broad range of business documentation.
As a boutique commercial law firm, we provide practical advice and tailored legal drafting designed to support business growth while protecting against avoidable risk.
Why Contract Drafting Matters
Many commercial disputes begin long before a disagreement arises. Poorly drafted agreements can create uncertainty regarding:
- Rights and obligations
- Payment arrangements
- Ownership interests
- Exit mechanisms
- Decision-making authority
- Risk allocation
- Credit applications
Clear agreements help businesses avoid misunderstandings and provide a framework for resolving issues if they occur. A well-structured agreement is often one of the most cost-effective forms of risk management available to a business.
Common Agreements We Review
Businesses regularly ask us to review agreements before signing to ensure key risks and obligations are clearly understood. We commonly review:
- Customer contracts
- Supplier agreements
- Service agreements
- Consultancy agreements
- Commercial leases
- Shareholder agreements
- Partnership agreements
- Loan agreements
- Terms and conditions
- Confidentiality agreements
Reviewing an agreement before signing can help identify risks, clarify obligations and avoid costly disputes later. Our role is to explain the legal and commercial implications of an agreement so clients can make informed decisions before committing to important obligations.
Our Contract Drafting Framework
When Should You Seek Legal Review?
Businesses often seek legal advice when:
- Entering a new commercial relationship
- Bringing on a business partner
- Taking on investors
- Buying or selling a business
- Negotiating a commercial lease
- Lending money
- Creating shareholder arrangements
- Updating outdated agreements
Early legal review can help identify risks before commitments are made.
Shareholder Agreements
A shareholder agreement helps establish the rules governing ownership and decision-making within a company.
Common provisions include:
- Ownership percentages
- Voting rights
- Reserved matters
- Share transfers
- Exit mechanisms
- Deadlock procedures
- Dispute resolution clauses
Businesses with multiple owners should strongly consider a shareholder agreement.
Partnership Agreements
Partnership agreements help clarify expectations between business partners. These agreements commonly address:
- Roles and responsibilities
- Profit distribution
- Capital contributions
- Decision-making authority
- Exit arrangements
- Dispute management
Many partnership disputes arise because expectations were never documented properly at the outset.
Commercial Contracts
We draft and review a broad range of commercial agreements, including:
- Service agreements
- Supply agreements
- Distribution agreements
- Consulting agreements
- Confidentiality agreements
- Terms and conditions
- Contractor agreements
Every agreement is tailored to the specific circumstances of the business.
Loan Agreements and Security Documents
Businesses frequently require legally enforceable arrangements when lending or borrowing funds. We assist with:
- Loan agreements
- Security deeds
- Guarantees
- Charges
- Commercial lending documentation
Proper documentation helps protect capital and reduce enforcement risks.
Buy - Sell Agreements
Buy-sell agreements help business owners prepare for future ownership changes. These agreements often address:
- Shareholder exits
- Death or incapacity
- Retirement
- Business succession
- Valuation mechanisms
Planning ownership transitions early can help avoid significant disputes later.
Commercial Lease Review
Commercial leases often contain significant legal and financial obligations. We assist clients with:
- Lease review
- Lease negotiation
- Assignment provisions
- Rent review clauses
- Termination rights
- Renewal options
Understanding lease obligations before signing can help prevent costly surprises.
Common Contract Risks
Businesses often encounter problems arising from:
- Ambiguous language
- Missing dispute resolution clauses
- Poorly defined payment obligations
- Unclear ownership rights
- Inadequate termination provisions
- Missing restraint protections
- Outdated agreements
Identifying and addressing these issues early can reduce future legal exposure.
Please note that this content is intended for general information purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice.
How We Work
Every Agreement Is Different
The time required to draft or review an agreement depends on factors such as the complexity of the arrangement, the number of parties involved, the quality of existing documentation and whether negotiations are required. Some agreements can be reviewed quickly, while others require detailed drafting, multiple revisions or negotiation between parties.
We help clients understand the legal issues involved, identify key risks and determine the most appropriate approach for their particular circumstances.
Why Businesses Choose CG Gillis & Co
Established in 1973
More than fifty years advising businesses and commercial clients across New South Wales.
Boutique Commercial Law Focus
Dedicated to commercial transactions, governance matters and business protection.
Practical Transaction Advice
We focus on identifying risks early, protecting value and helping transactions proceed efficiently.
Acquisitions & Sales Experience
Supporting clients through ownership transitions and commercial transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of contracts do you review?
We review a broad range of commercial agreements including service agreements, shareholder agreements, partnership agreements, leases and business contracts.
Do I need a lawyer to review a contract?
Many contracts contain obligations and risks that may not be obvious. Legal review can help identify issues before commitments are made.
How long does contract review take?
The timeframe depends on the complexity of the agreement, the issues involved and whether negotiations are required. We can provide guidance based on the specific document and circumstances.
What should a shareholder agreement include?
Important provisions often include ownership rights, voting arrangements, exit mechanisms, valuation methods and dispute resolution procedures.
What happens if a contract is unclear?
Unclear drafting can create disputes regarding interpretation and obligations. Clear drafting helps reduce uncertainty.
Can you draft agreements from scratch?
Yes. We regularly prepare tailored agreements based on the specific needs of the business and transaction.
What should I have reviewed before signing?
Important agreements should generally be reviewed before signing, particularly where they involve significant financial commitments, ownership rights, long-term obligations, personal guarantees, restraint provisions or dispute resolution clauses.
Obtaining legal advice before signing is often more cost-effective than attempting to resolve issues after a dispute arises.
How much does contract drafting cost?
Costs depend on the complexity of the document and the work involved. We discuss likely costs during the initial consultation wherever possible.
Can you review agreements prepared by another party?
Yes. We regularly review contracts provided by customers, suppliers, landlords, investors and other commercial parties.