What to discuss at the first meeting
Describe the commercial result sought and identify the business entity. The lawyer needs to know who can give instructions and whether advice is for the entity or a person involved in it.
Separate commercial, tax, accounting and personal advice where interests or expertise differ.
Working with a firm in Melbourne CBD
A Melbourne CBD search can be useful for comparing teams with different specialisations. Ask who will do the work and who will supervise it, especially when a firm has several practice departments.
For business & commercial law, ask which parts of the work the firm handles itself and whether it has relevant VIC experience. Let the lawyer know if a property, employer, other party or existing proceeding is outside Melbourne CBD. Your home address alone does not determine the applicable process.
How the engagement may progress
- 01
Explain the transaction, amount involved, parties and desired result. Provide the current agreement and relevant entity or trust details.
- 02
Ask which risks need legal, accounting, tax or technical advice. Identify essential terms and those you are willing to negotiate.
- 03
Agree who negotiates, approves documents and tracks continuing obligations. Clarify whether post-completion advice is included.
Fees and the scope of work
Request a defined scope or staged budget with assumptions about document review and negotiation rounds. Personal guarantees, tax and related disputes may need separate work.
Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.
Dates to raise at first contact
Highlight signing dates, finance conditions and demands. Raise an inability to meet debts immediately so appropriate advice can be identified before further commitments.
Questions to ask a business & commercial law adviser
- Who is the client for this work?
- What tasks and negotiation rounds are included?
