What should be in my terms and conditions?

Payment terms, limits of liability, consumer law compliance, and clear processes for disputes and cancellations.

Do I need a lawyer to start a company?

You can register a company yourself. A lawyer is useful for the shareholders agreement, the right structure for tax and asset protection, and making sure your contracts and terms protect you.

Should a lawyer review a commercial lease?

Yes. Leases often run for years and can include costly obligations such as make-good, outgoings and personal guarantees. Some states also have retail leasing laws that affect your rights.

Business & Commercial lawyers in Australia | Lawyers Directory Australia

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.

How the engagement may progress

Explain the transaction, amount involved, parties and desired result. Provide the current agreement and relevant entity or trust details.
Ask which risks need legal, accounting, tax or technical advice. Identify essential terms and those you are willing to negotiate.
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?
Who is your client: the business or me personally?
What specialist input is required?
Which risks and exclusions should I understand before approving the document?

Business & Commercial lawyers

Why business & commercial law matters

The Australian context

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2,995 business & commercial law firms

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A practical guide to business & commercial law

What to discuss at the first meeting

How the engagement may progress

Fees and the scope of work

Dates to raise at first contact

Questions to ask a business & commercial law adviser

Frequently asked questions

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