Business Owners, Investors and SMEs
Commercial Law Services in Sydney
Commercial Litigation
Resolving Commercial and Business Disputes and Protecting Commercial Interests
Commercial litigation involves litigating and defending commercial disputes in courts of competent jurisdiction in Australia. We act for clients in matters involving:
- Contractual disputes
- Debt recovery
- Director disputes
- Shareholder disputes and derivative actions
- Insolvency-related disputes
- Tax
- Other corporate and commercial disputes
Whether a dispute is resolved through negotiation, mediation or litigation, our focus remains on achieving the most practical outcome for our clients.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Legal Advice for Buying, Selling and Restructuring Businesses
Business acquisitions and sales involve significant legal, accounting and financial, tax and operational considerations. We assist clients with:
- Buying a business or shares in a company
- Selling a business or shares in a company
- Asset sales
- Due diligence
- Transaction structuring
- Heads of Agreement
- Sale and Purchase Agreements
Our objective is to identify risks early, protect value and help transactions proceed efficiently.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Legal Advice for Buying, Selling and Restructuring Businesses
Business acquisitions and sales involve significant legal, accounting and financial, tax and operational considerations. We assist clients with:
- Buying a business or shares in a company
- Selling a business or shares in a company
- Asset sales
- Due diligence
- Transaction structuring
- Heads of Agreement
- Sale and Purchase Agreements
Our objective is to identify risks early, protect value and help transactions proceed efficiently.
Contract Drafting & Review
Building Strong Legal Foundations for Business
Well-drafted agreements to help reduce uncertainty, clarify expectations and minimise future disputes. We assist with:
- Shareholder agreements
- Partnership agreements
- Commercial contracts
- Supply agreements
- Loan agreements
- General Security agreements
- Sale and Purchase Agreements
- Deed of settlement and releases
- Commercial leases
- Business terms and conditions
- Credit applications
Every agreement is tailored to the specific circumstances of the business rather than relying on generic templates.
Commercial Leasing
Understand Your Lease Before You Commit
We advise landlords and tenants on:
- Lease review and plain-English explanation of the terms
- Lease negotiation and incentives
- Rent review clauses
- Renewal and option provisions
- Assignment and subletting
- Termination and exit rights
- Repair, outgoings and make-good obligations
- Disputes over lease terms, with support from our commercial litigation team
We act for landlords and tenants, though not for both parties to the same lease.
Wills and Estates
Protecting Business and Personal Assets
Business owners and individuals often require planning that protects both commercial and personal interests. We assist with:
- Estate planning
- Wills
- Probate applications
- Business succession planning
- Share transfer planning
- Succession arrangements
Our goal is to help clients preserve assets and provide certainty for future generations.
Wills and Estates
Protecting Business and Personal Assets
Business owners and individuals often require planning that protects both commercial and personal interests. We assist with:
- Estate planning
- Wills
- Probate applications
- Business succession planning
- Share transfer planning
- Succession arrangements
Our goal is to help clients preserve assets and provide certainty for future generations.
Common Commercial Issues We Assist With
Many business owners are unsure which legal service applies to their situation.
Why Commercial Matters Often Overlap
Commercial legal issues rarely fit neatly into a single category. A shareholder dispute may arise because a shareholder agreement is unclear. A business acquisition may uncover contractual liabilities that affect the value of a transaction. A commercial dispute may require both negotiation and litigation strategies before it can be resolved. Our role is to identify the legal issues involved, explain how they interact and help clients determine the most practical path forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a commercial lawyer do?
A commercial lawyer advises businesses on contracts, disputes, transactions, governance matters and commercial risk management.
What is the difference between litigation and dispute resolution?
Yes. Many disputes can be prevented through properly drafted agreements, shareholder arrangements and early legal advice. Dispute resolution includes negotiation and mediation. Litigation involves formal court proceedings where a court determines the outcome.
What types of commercial disputes do you assist with?
We advise clients on shareholder disputes, business partner disputes, contract disputes, debt recovery matters, director disputes and other commercial conflicts affecting businesses and investors.
Can a commercial dispute be resolved without going to court?
Many commercial disputes can be resolved through negotiation, mediation or other forms of dispute resolution. Whether court proceedings are necessary depends on the circumstances of the matter and the willingness of the parties to reach an agreement.
Do you assist with shareholder disputes?
Yes. Shareholder disputes commonly arise in connection with ownership rights, governance issues, exits and business valuation matters.
Do you assist with buying and selling businesses?
Yes. We advise clients on acquisitions, divestments, due diligence, transaction documents and settlement processes.
Do I need a shareholder agreement?
Companies with multiple owners should strongly consider a shareholder agreement. These agreements help clarify rights, responsibilities and dispute resolution mechanisms.
How long do commercial legal matters take?
Timeframes vary depending on the nature of the matter. Contract reviews may take days, while litigation or business transactions may take several months.