Commercial Lawyers Brisbane

Every business relationship needs a clear contract, but too many Brisbane business owners sign agreements without understanding what they’re committing to. We’ve seen suppliers walk away from verbal agreements, partners dispute profit splits that were never documented, and service providers deliver less than promised because the contract didn’t specify otherwise.

How we help: We draft, review, and negotiate contracts that actually protect you, supplier agreements, distribution contracts, service agreements, joint ventures, licensing arrangements, and terms and conditions. Before you sign anything significant, we’ll tell you what the risks are and whether the terms are fair.

Your lease is probably your highest fixed cost, and the terms you agree to will affect your business for years. Rent increases, outgoings, make-good obligations, permitted use restrictions: all of these matter, and all of them are negotiable if you know what you’re doing.

Queensland retail tenants have specific protections under the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 (QLD). Landlords must provide disclosure statements before you sign. They can’t recover certain legal costs from you. You have rights around rent reviews and lease renewal. But many landlords, and their agents, don’t mention these protections. We do.

How we help: We review lease terms before you sign, negotiate better conditions where possible, and ensure landlords comply with their disclosure obligations. If you’re in a dispute, rent arrears, make-good costs, or lease termination, we represent you at QCAT or in negotiations.

Whether you’re buying a business, selling one, bringing in partners, or restructuring for growth, the legal structure matters. Get it wrong, and you’re exposed to personal liability, tax inefficiencies, or disputes that could have been avoided.

How we help: We handle business sales and acquisitions (due diligence, contract negotiation, settlement), company formations, shareholder agreements, partnership structures, and corporate governance. For acquisitions, we identify risks before you commit. For sales, we ensure you’re protected after settlement.

Disputes happen. Suppliers don’t deliver. Customers don’t pay. Partners disagree about direction. Landlords claim that make-good costs seem excessive. When a dispute arises, you have choices: negotiate, mediate, or litigate. The right path depends on what’s at stake and how strong your position is.

How we help: We represent Brisbane businesses in contract disputes, shareholder disputes, debt recovery, and retail lease disputes. For retail lease matters in Queensland, QCAT offers a faster, lower-cost path than the court, and we know how to use it effectively. When negotiation is possible, we pursue it. When litigation is necessary, we’re prepared.