The regulatory landscape for Australian businesses can be tough to navigate. Whether you’re a start-up or an established business ready to expand, compliance and legal guidance will play a key role in your success.
McGuinness Legal is your trusted partner in your business journey. We take time to understand your operations, goals, and concerns, so you can make decisions that help protect and advance your commercial interests.
How We Can Help Your Business Thrive
We provide pragmatic and commercially focused advice for a range of businesses in Victoria and Australia-wide. Our solutions are strategic, tailored, and cost-effective.
Business structuring and formation
Choosing the right legal structure is an important decision for any business. We’ll guide you through the process of establishing a company, partnership, or trust, ensuring it aligns with your commercial objectives and helps protect assets. Our advice covers:
- Initial structuring and asset protection
- Shareholder, unitholder, and partnership agreements
- Corporate governance and directors’ duties
- Business name registration and intellectual property protection
Corporations law
Good governance is essential for directors and corporations operating in a highly regulated environment. We advise on regulation under key legislation such as the Corporations Act 2001, helping businesses comply with their legal requirements. Our advice covers:
- Corporate governance and directors’ duties
- Shareholder issues/conflicts of interest
- Documenting company administrations
- Appointment and removal of directors
Contracts and agreements
Clear and comprehensive contracts are the bedrock of strong business relationships. We can assist in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a range of commercial agreements to safeguard your interests and minimise the risk of disputes.
Commercial leasing
We act for both landlords and tenants in all aspects of commercial and retail leasing, providing clarity and confidence in your leasing arrangements. We can assist with:
- Negotiating and drafting lease agreements
- Reviewing and advising on existing leases
- Resolving lease disputes
- Managing assignments and sub-leases
Buying and selling a business
The acquisition or sale of a business is a significant undertaking. We provide strategic advice to ensure a smooth and successful transaction, from initial due diligence to final settlement. Our services include:
- Conducting legal due diligence
- Negotiating the terms of the sale
- Drafting and reviewing contracts of sale
- Assisting with the transfer of employees, assets, and intellectual property
Business succession and asset protection
Planning for the future is one of the smartest investments you can make. We work with you to develop strategies that protect your hard-earned assets and ensure a smooth transition of your business when the time is right. We help create a clear pathway that reflects your wishes and secures your legacy. Our business succession services focus on:
- Developing succession plans and exit strategies
- Implementing asset protection structures
- Estate planning for business owners
Commercial disputes and commercial litigation
We offer dispute resolution services and business litigation covering a wide range of problems including:
- breach of contract
- building and property disputes
- partnership disputes
Invested in the success of your enterprise, McGuinness Legal has been serving local businesses for over 30 years. We have extensive experience across numerous industries and offer a range of practical legal solutions for individuals, start-ups, and small to medium-sized enterprises.
Contact us to arrange a consultation with an experienced business lawyer.