We Do Legal
Sydney Commercial Lawyers Who Protect Your Business Interests
When Business Relationships Need Legal Architecture
Most businesses call us when handshake deals outgrow kitchen table agreements.
The trigger? When “we’ll figure it out” could cost everything you’ve built. Commercial legal exposure hides in everyday decisions. That partnership where profits seemed obvious until tax time. The supplier deal that looked simple until COVID lockdowns. The employee who left with your client list because contracts didn’t protect trade secrets.
40+ years taught us: businesses that wait until problems emerge pay 10x more in legal costs. Prevention is cheaper than crisis management.
Three questions reveal whether you need commercial legal protection:
- Could this business relationship survive a major disagreement about money, responsibility, or performance?
- If this arrangement went wrong, would the financial impact threaten your business operations?
- Do you understand exactly what you’re liable for and what protects you if circumstances change?
If any answer is “no” or “I’m not sure,” you’re operating with commercial legal exposure that experienced Sydney commercial lawyers can eliminate before it becomes expensive.
Why Businesses Choose Our Sydney Commercial Lawyers
We spot problems other commercial lawyers miss
Partnership failures typically occur in years 3-5, when initial enthusiasm fades and real operational pressures emerge, not during the startup honeymoon phase that most lawyers prepare for. Employment contract disputes usually involve intellectual property and client list issues, not the restraint of trade clauses most firms focus on. Commercial lease disputes often centre on operational requirements that weren't considered during initial negotiations, not just rent and make-good provisions. We structure agreements around these real failure patterns, not theoretical legal risks.
Partners personally handle every commercial matter
Partners handle every commercial matter personally While most firms delegate critical deals to juniors, we don't. Senior lawyers with decades of experience manage every file from consultation to completion. When stakes are high, you need decision-makers from day one.
Built for NSW and national operations without referrals
Unlike firms that send interstate work elsewhere adding delays and markup costs, we handle Brisbane to Perth directly. Current certificates across Australia mean faster turnaround and transparent pricing for North Sydney commercial disputes, Macquarie Park business acquisitions, and Alexandria industrial property deals.
Commercial IP protection built into every contract
While most firms treat IP as separate work requiring additional fees, we build protection into every contract. Businesses lose competitive advantages through poor contract drafting more often than direct theft. Trademark and copyright protection comes standard, not optional.
Fixed fees eliminate billing anxiety
Unlike firms using hourly billing that stops business owners calling for advice, we quote transparent fees upfront. You budget legal costs as transaction expenses, not unpredictable charges.
What We Handle for Sydney Commercial Clients
High-Value Business Transactions
Partnership structuring with profit-sharing that prevents disputes. Business acquisitions $500K to $50M+ with due diligence that finds hidden liabilities. Commercial property across Sydney CBD, North Sydney, Pyrmont, and industrial markets.
Complex Commercial Agreements
Multi-party contracts with smart risk allocation. Supplier and distribution deals for national operations. Senior executive employment with restraints and IP protection that work.
Regulatory Compliance and
Risk Management
Australian Consumer Law compliance preventing ACCC action. Competition Act requirements for franchise operations. Privacy Act integration for businesses handling customer data above statutory thresholds.
Current Legal Landscape Affecting Sydney Businesses
Treasury Laws Amendment Act 2022 penalties for unfair contract terms reach $50 million for large corporations, with scaled penalties for smaller businesses. If you’re still using supplier contracts, software licenses, or service agreements from before 2022, you could face penalties from the ACCC. What used to get you a warning letter now triggers immediate fines. The penalty amount depends on your business size and revenue, even small businesses face substantial exposure.
Director identification requirements create personal penalty risks for directors in business partnerships and ownership structures. If you’re a director and don’t comply with DIN requirements, you personally get fined – not your company. Many business owners think their corporate structure protects them from personal liability, but DIN non-compliance creates direct personal exposure. Your partnership or joint venture agreement won’t save you from these personal penalties.
Privacy Act changes affect commercial agreements handling personal information above statutory thresholds. If your business handles customer databases or employee records that trigger privacy thresholds, your standard contracts probably don’t protect you anymore. You need specific privacy protections built into your commercial agreements. Generic privacy policies aren’t enough, you need contract clauses that actually address how you handle and share personal information.
How We Deliver Results
We Check If Your Legal Setup Actually Works
Most businesses get legal structures that look good on paper but don't work in real life. We test whether your agreements make sense for how you actually run your business day-to-day.
We Find Problems Before They Cost You Money
Commercial deals break in predictable ways. Partnerships usually fail around year 3-5 when money gets tight. Employment contracts often can't stop key people taking your customer list. Supplier agreements break down when delivery problems hit. We know where to look for these problems and fix them upfront.
We Build Legal Protection That Fits Your Business
We write payment terms that protect your cash without killing business relationships. We set performance rules you can actually meet, not impossible standards. We create exit plans that don't trap you in bad deals.
We Help You Actually Use What We Create
We give you documents your team can understand and follow. We set up simple systems to track important deadlines and requirements. We schedule regular check-ins to update things as your business changes.
We’ve worked with Lazarus Legal on several matters and couldn’t be happier with the professionalism, clarity, and strategic support they’ve provided throughout. Most notably, they guided us through a complex trademark application, offering expert insight and genuine commitment to getting the outcome we needed. Read more.
- Ready when you are
Get Strategic Legal Advice
Schedule a consultation about your commercial legal requirements.
Initial consultation focuses on your situation, risks, and solutions.
You get specific advice and clear recommendations protecting interests while achieving objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions for Sydney Commercial Lawyers
How much does a business acquisition lawyer cost in Sydney?
Do I need a commercial lawyer for a major partnership deal?
Can Sydney commercial lawyers handle interstate business arrangements?
How do commercial lawyers differ from business lawyers?