Commercial & Corporate Law

Interise Legal's commercial and corporate lawyers act for businesses of all sizes — from sole traders and family businesses to established companies — across Melbourne and Victoria. Because we work in both English and Chinese, we are well placed to assist bilingual business owners, and overseas parties doing business in Australia, at every stage of the business life cycle.

Starting and structuring a business:

• Legal advice if you are starting a business
• Advice in regard to business structures including sole traders, partnerships, trusts and companies
• Company incorporation and business name registration
• Partnership, shareholder and joint venture agreements
• Succession planning for family businesses

Contracts and everyday trading:

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts
• Terms and conditions of trade, supply and distribution agreements
• Commercial and retail leases, including advice under the Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic)
• Debt recovery, bankruptcy and insolvency matters

Buying or selling a business:

• Due diligence enquiries before you commit
• Contracts for the sale and purchase of a business
• Assignment of leases, licences and business assets
• Confidentiality and restraint of trade arrangements

Corporate and governance:

• Corporate structure, governance and compliance under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)
• Mergers, acquisitions and corporate joint ventures

Banking, debt and equity finance:

• Loan and facility agreements — acting for private lenders and borrowers
• Mortgages and mortgage documentation, including registration and discharge
• Guarantees, indemnities and security documents, including registrations on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR)
• Refinancing and priority arrangements between lenders
• Equity investment documentation — share subscription and shareholder agreements, convertible notes and investor rights
• Employee share option schemes

Employment and workplaces:

• Employment contracts and workplace policies
• Employee rights, entitlements and unfair dismissal
• Confidentiality agreements and protection of business information

We also advise on administrative law matters, copyright and intellectual property, business management and administration, and the particular requirements of not-for-profit organisations and charities.

When commercial relationships break down, we aim to resolve disputes efficiently through negotiation and mediation, and we represent clients in corporate and commercial litigation when court proceedings cannot be avoided.

Where a matter calls for financial or taxation input, we work closely with your accountant and other advisers, and can draw on our professional network of accountants, tax advisors and financial planners.

Contact us to arrange a consultation with one of our experienced Melbourne commercial lawyers.