Commercial
Experienced Commercial Lawyers in Sydney
Being a business owner has an infinite number of challenges. Whilst the benefits can be great, owning your own business does come with considerable risk. That’s why it is important to retain a commercial lawyer who can help you manage risk, but appreciates the realities of business.
Our experienced team of business and commercial lawyers in Sydney act and advise on all legal issues relating to a wide range of business and commercial matters. We take the long view approach to our relationship with our commercial clients. Our commercial lawyers are there to add value to your to your business and to be there every step of the way, as your business grows – we do not want to be an inconvenient line item in your profit and loss.
We want to get to know how your business operates so we can tailor a legal solution that is best for you. We expect that you will notice tangible benefits after retaining our services. Our commercial lawyers in Sydney avoid using basic precedents which may not be right for your circumstances. We believe a tailored approach is best, one that anticipates what will happen in the future, so that there will be no surprises ahead in the years to come.
We believe a tailored approach is best, one that anticipates your future circumstances, avoiding unwanted surprises in the years to come.
Recent Results
- Acted for a seller in a $14 million commercial property sale
- Assisted a corporate client to enable a new partner to acquire equity in its financial planning business
- Drafted numerous shareholder agreements
- Acted for purchaser in the acquisition of a fitness business
- Advised an Authorised Representative in relation to Financial Services obligations under the Corporations Act
- Advised our client on aspects of asset protection in an insolvency situation
- Drafted documents for the sale of a $3 million business and negotiated with purchaser for eventual sale
- Advised our client in relation to the creation of a complex licensing structure for a retail business venture
- Advised in relation to a management agreement between our client and a major casino
- Advised a Corporate Trustee of a Unit Trust in relation to winding up
SECURE YOUR BUSINESS FUTURE
Expert legal guidance for your commercial goals. Consult with our specialist business lawyers to identify risks and safeguard your operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
A commercial lawyer advises businesses on the legal issues that arise in day-to-day operations and long-term planning. This includes drafting and reviewing contracts, managing risk in transactions, resolving disputes, and providing strategic advice that aligns with commercial objectives. Engaging experienced Sydney commercial lawyers early can reduce exposure to disputes and help avoid costly mistakes.
Businesses often wait until a problem arises. Early advice is usually more effective. Legal advice should be obtained before signing contracts, entering partnerships, expanding operations, dealing with regulatory issues, or when a dispute first emerges. Timely business legal advice allows options to be assessed before positions harden or rights are lost.
Commercial law covers a wide range of business activities, including:
- Contract drafting, review and negotiation
- Shareholder and partnership arrangements
- Buying or selling a business
- Supply, distribution and licensing agreements
- Debt recovery and enforcement
- Commercial disputes and litigation
- Risk management and compliance
A commercial law firm with broad experience can address these issues holistically rather than in isolation.
Most commercial disputes are resolved without going to court. Resolution pathways may include:
- Negotiation between parties
- Mediation or informal settlement conferences
- Arbitration or expert determination
- Court proceedings, where necessary
The appropriate approach depends on the dispute, the contract terms, time pressures and cost considerations. Commercial solicitors focus on resolving disputes efficiently while protecting commercial relationships where possible.
Timeframes vary significantly. Contract reviews or advice on discrete issues may take days. Transactions such as business sales can take weeks or months. Disputes may resolve quickly through negotiation or take longer if court proceedings are required. Clear advice at the outset helps manage expectations and plan around operational impacts.
Legal costs depend on complexity, urgency and the strategy adopted. Many matters are handled on an hourly rate, while some work can be scoped with staged or fixed pricing. Transparency is critical. Businesses should understand likely costs, risks and potential outcomes before proceeding with any significant step.
Yes. Preventative advice is a core part of effective business legal services. Well-drafted contracts, clear risk allocation and practical dispute resolution clauses reduce uncertainty. Early advice also helps identify red flags in negotiations or transactions before they become disputes.
To make the most of an initial meeting, it is useful to provide:
- Relevant contracts or agreements
- Background on the commercial relationship
- Key dates, deadlines or time pressures
- Any correspondence or notices received
This allows focused advice that addresses the real commercial risk rather than generic legal commentary.
Strategy is shaped by the business objective, not just the legal position. Considerations may include:
- Cost versus potential recovery or exposure
- Speed and disruption to the business
- Ongoing commercial relationships
- Reputational risk
Our lawyers work with clients to align legal steps with commercial realities.
No. Litigation is often a last resort. Many matters settle once rights and risks are clearly articulated. A pragmatic approach can preserve value and reduce stress for directors and business owners.
Experience, clarity and commercial understanding matter. The best commercial lawyer for a business is one who explains risks in plain English, provides clear options, and understands how legal decisions affect operations and cash flow. A great lawyer will help you avoid disputes but is also experienced and strong enough to defend your rights in a dispute.
Jake McKinley provides practical commercial law services focused on protecting business interests and managing risk. Clients work directly with experienced lawyers who understand both the legal and commercial landscape. The firm advises across transactions and disputes, offering tailored business legal advice rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
Yes. The firm advises individuals, growing enterprises and established companies across a range of industries. Advice is scaled to the size and complexity of the business, ensuring it remains proportionate and commercially sensible.
An initial discussion can clarify whether legal advice is needed, identify immediate risks and outline next steps. Speaking with a commercial law firm early often saves time, cost and uncertainty later. Businesses looking for a trusted commercial partner can contact Jake McKinley to discuss their specific circumstances.