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    Expert Commercial Lawyers Brisbane: Your Trusted Business Partners

    We offer potential clients a confidential, free, no-obligation appointment and a no-win, no-fee policy. Our team includes the best commercial lawyers in Brisbane.

    Calvin Young

    Director

    Sieng Kong

    Director

    Domenic Gallo

    Special Counsel

    Candice Wang

    Paralegal and Conveyancer

    Our process

    01Initial Business Consultation

    We begin with a detailed discussion to understand your business structure, objectives, and any immediate legal concerns. This step allows us to identify risks and opportunities while tailoring advice to your commercial goals.

    02Review & Strategic Planning

    Our team examines your existing agreements, governance documents, and compliance obligations. We then develop a strategy to address issues such as shareholder arrangements, mergers, acquisitions, or contract negotiations.

    03Formal Engagement

    Once you approve the proposed approach, we formalize our engagement by outlining the scope of work, timelines, and fees. This step ensures transparency and gives you confidence that your corporate matters are in expert hands.

    04Implementation & Transaction Support

    We execute the agreed strategy by drafting and negotiating contracts, managing transactions, and advising on regulatory compliance. Our team works to protect your interests and achieve smooth, efficient outcomes.

    05Ongoing Governance & Compliance

    Corporate law is dynamic, and your business needs evolve. We provide ongoing advice to maintain compliance, update governance frameworks, and support future growth initiatives.

    Our services

    01 Cyber, Data & Privacy Law

    Risk Assessment & Readiness

    We conduct a comprehensive review of your data handling practices under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), mapping collection, storage, retention, and cross-border transfers. Our maturity roadmaps include ownership structures, timelines, and measurable KPIs to ensure compliance and resilience against breaches. We also implement breach simulation exercises, staff training programs, and internal audits to strengthen organisational readiness and reduce exposure to regulatory penalties.

    Incident Response & Breach Management

    When a suspected breach occurs, we lead legal-driven response plans that prioritise evidence preservation, OAIC notifications, and stakeholder messaging. Our protocols minimise liability and reputational damage while ensuring compliance with mandatory reporting obligations. We also coordinate forensic investigations, draft regulator submissions, and manage contractual notifications to vendors and customers, reducing the risk of litigation and class actions.

    Compliance, Policies & Contracts

    We draft and review privacy policies, data processing agreements, and cybersecurity clauses for vendor contracts, clarifying roles, audit rights, and breach procedures. Our documentation ensures governance is defensible and proportionate to business risk. We also advise on GDPR and overseas compliance for businesses operating internationally, embedding contractual safeguards for cross-border data flows.

    Learn more Contact Us

    Commercial Leasing & Transactions

    We negotiate retail and commercial leases under the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 (Qld), ensuring compliance with disclosure obligations and fair rent review clauses. Our approach reduces disputes and aligns terms with operational realities. We also advise on make-good obligations, assignment rights, and termination clauses to protect your interests and avoid costly litigation.

    Sales, Acquisitions & Due Diligence

    We manage property transactions end-to-end, coordinating title searches, warranties, and duty compliance under the Duties Act 2001 (Qld). Our due diligence covers planning overlays, contamination risks, and infrastructure impacts, providing actionable insights to mitigate risk. We also handle contract negotiations, settlement coordination, and post-completion registrations for a seamless process.

    Development & Planning Interfaces

    We advise on planning approvals under the Planning Act 2016 (Qld), sequencing conditions to project milestones for predictable timelines. Our team manages submissions, liaises with referral agencies, and negotiates conditions to avoid delays. We also assist with titling strategies, easements, and infrastructure agreements to support project feasibility and funding.

    Learn more Contact Us

    Commercial & Contract Disputes

    We act in disputes involving performance failures, misrepresentation, and termination rights, prioritising early ADR to reduce cost and disruption. Our strategies include targeted pleadings, proportional discovery, and interim relief applications to control litigation risk. We also advise on enforcement options and settlement frameworks to preserve commercial relationships.

    Property, Leasing & Construction Disputes

    We resolve rent, make-good, defects, and delay claims using evidence plans anchored in lease terms and site records. Expert reports and interim relief applications are deployed where urgency demands. Our approach combines technical precision with commercial pragmatism, aiming for fast, cost-effective resolutions.

    ADR, Arbitration & Mediation

    We design protocols with confidentiality and staged settlement frameworks to achieve fast, fair outcomes. Our goal is to resolve disputes efficiently while preserving commercial relationships. We also represent clients in domestic and international arbitration, ensuring compliance with procedural rules and enforceability of awards.

    Learn more Contact Us

    Deal Structuring & Term Sheets

    We advise on share vs asset deals, earn-outs, and completion mechanics, locking key economics early to cap risk. Our structures balance tax, liability, and operational continuity. We also draft heads of agreement and exclusivity arrangements to secure deal certainty.

    Due Diligence & Risk Allocation

    Targeted diligence covers contracts, IP, employment, and compliance, with warranties and indemnities allocating risk clearly. We manage novations and consents for regulated contracts, ensuring smooth transitions. Our reports highlight deal-breakers and negotiation levers for informed decision-making.

    Regulatory & Post-Completion

    We manage approvals, filings, and integration checklists to realise synergies quickly. Our post-completion actions include governance resets, stakeholder communications, and compliance audits to ensure seamless integration and risk mitigation.

    Learn more Contact Us

    Protection & Registration

    We secure trademarks, designs, and copyright strategies, ensuring chain-of-title clarity and territorial planning. Our audits identify gaps and prevent costly disputes. We also advise on IP ownership in employment and contractor agreements to avoid future conflicts.

    Commercialisation & Licensing

    Licences and JV frameworks are tailored to revenue models, covering exclusivity, royalties, and performance obligations. We embed audit rights, improvement clauses, and termination triggers to protect value and maintain flexibility.

    Enforcement & Brand Integrity

    We respond to infringement with cease-and-desist letters, takedowns, and litigation calibrated to cost and impact. Brand monitoring programs reduce recurrence and safeguard reputation. We also manage customs notices and international enforcement strategies for global brands.

    Learn more Contact Us

    Projects, Tenure & Access

    We advise on exploration, production, and access arrangements, addressing tenure, landholder rights, and rehabilitation obligations. Our agreements align compliance with project milestones and funding requirements.

    Regulatory & Environmental

    Approvals and reporting under Queensland frameworks are coordinated, aligning operations to licence conditions. We embed environmental and safety obligations into operational plans and manage regulator engagement to avoid penalties.

    Supply, Offtake & Infrastructure

    We draft offtake and transport contracts with clauses managing volume, quality, and price adjustments. Our documentation supports bankability and continuity, ensuring projects meet lender and investor requirements.

    Learn more Contact Us

    Contract Lifecycle & Standards

    We implement robust contract lifecycle management frameworks that go beyond templates. Our approach includes playbooks for negotiation, fallback positions for critical clauses, and approval matrices to ensure governance at every stage. We integrate obligation registers and renewal calendars to prevent missed milestones and embed digital tools for version control and audit trails. This reduces variability, accelerates turnaround, and ensures compliance with internal policies and external regulations.

    Negotiation & Risk Allocation

    We calibrate indemnities, liability caps, service levels, and termination rights to reflect commercial realities and regulatory requirements. Our team conducts risk mapping to identify exposure points and drafts clauses that balance protection with flexibility. We also review agreements for unfair contract term compliance, ensuring they meet ACL standards and avoid penalties. Negotiation strategies are designed to preserve relationships while securing enforceable rights.

    Performance, Change & Disputes

    We embed governance clauses for change control, variation approvals, and performance monitoring. Dashboards and reporting frameworks track obligations in real time, enabling early identification of issues. Dispute resolution tiers, negotiation, mediation, expert determination, are pre-agreed to prevent escalation. This proactive approach reduces cost, protects continuity, and maintains trust between parties.

    Contact Us

    Seed, Venture & Private Placements

    We structure capital raising instruments such as SAFEs, convertible notes, and subscription agreements to attract investment while preserving founder control. Our documentation includes investor rights, information covenants, and valuation protections tailored to growth objectives. We also advise on governance adjustments to accommodate new stakeholders without compromising agility.

    Disclosure & Regulatory Pathways

    We ensure compliance with Corporations Act exemptions for small-scale offerings and sophisticated investors. Our team prepares offer documents, disclaimers, and eligibility checks that meet ASIC standards while remaining practical and investor-friendly. We manage advertising restrictions and certification processes to avoid enforcement risk and maintain transparency.

    Post-Raise Governance & Use of Funds

    We formalise board reporting, milestone tracking, and budget oversight to maintain investor confidence. Covenants and consent frameworks are embedded to manage future raises and material changes. Our approach ensures capital is deployed strategically, governance remains strong, and growth objectives are achieved without regulatory friction.

    Contact Us

    Boards, Policies & Reporting

    We design governance frameworks that operationalise compliance rather than leaving it on paper. This includes board charters, director delegations, and calendars aligned to statutory obligations. Policy suites cover conflicts of interest, whistleblowing, privacy, and incident management. Reporting cycles are structured to provide evidence of compliance culture for audits and stakeholder assurance.

    Regulatory Engagement & Audits

    We prepare businesses for regulator reviews, notices, and thematic assessments by implementing logs, playbooks, and remediation plans. Our approach demonstrates proactive control and reduces penalty exposure. We also conduct mock audits and gap analyses to identify weaknesses before regulators do.

    Risk & Controls Integration

    Risk registers, appetite statements, and control testing are embedded into daily operations. Escalation pathways and accountability lines are clarified, ensuring governance is not just procedural but actively managed. Training and attestations reinforce compliance across all levels of the organisation.

    Contact Us

    Workforce Contracts & Policies

    We draft employment agreements that balance flexibility with compliance under the Fair Work Act. Our contracts include confidentiality, IP assignment, and restraint clauses tailored to your business model. Policy frameworks cover performance, conduct, and grievance handling, ensuring defensibility in disputes.

    Contractor Arrangements & IP

    We structure contractor agreements to define scope, deliverables, and IP ownership clearly. Insurance requirements and risk allocation provisions reduce exposure to misclassification claims. Our onboarding processes align with the “whole-of-relationship” test, mitigating compliance risk under recent Fair Work reforms.

    Workplace Risk & Disputes

    We manage investigations into misconduct, performance issues, and workplace disputes with sensitivity and precision. Our protocols prioritise confidentiality, procedural fairness, and documentation to protect your brand and minimise litigation risk. Where termination is necessary, we implement strategies that comply with statutory obligations and reduce reputational impact.

    Contact Us

    Carve-Outs, Spin-Offs & Separations

    We plan and execute business separations with minimal disruption. Our approach includes mapping interdependencies, sequencing asset transfers, and securing consents from landlords, lenders, and key customers. Transitional risk is mitigated through clear documentation and stakeholder communication.

    TSAs & Change Management

    Transition Services Agreements are negotiated to maintain operational continuity during divestments or integrations. We define service levels, exit criteria, and reporting obligations to prevent dependency creep and cost overruns. Change management frameworks support cultural alignment and minimise resistance.

    Turnaround & Restructure

    We design turnaround strategies that balance creditor engagement with operational recovery. Options range from informal workouts to formal processes, with governance resets and cost controls embedded to restore confidence. Our goal is to protect runway, stabilise operations, and position the business for sustainable growth.

    Contact Us

    Strategic Advantage for Brisbane Businesses

    Brisbane is a hub for logistics, construction, energy, and professional services, with the Port of Brisbane acting as a critical gateway for trade and supply chains. Legal decisions in this environment have far-reaching consequences, affecting eligibility for government tenders, compliance with industry standards, and operational continuity. Our approach is to simplify complexity and embed resilience into your processes. We don’t just provide advice; we design frameworks that anticipate regulatory changes, manage risk proactively, and align with your commercial objectives. Whether you’re negotiating a major lease, restructuring for growth, or securing capital, our strategies ensure clarity, compliance, and confidence at every stage.

    Scope of Our Expertise

    Our Corporate & Commercial Law practice spans the full lifecycle of business needs: mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, cyber and privacy compliance, property transactions, governance frameworks, and dispute resolution. We integrate these services so execution is seamless and timelines hold. From ASIC filings and ATO obligations to privacy compliance under the APPs and capital raising under Corporations Act exemptions, we ensure your documentation is robust, scalable, and audit-ready. Our team coordinates specialists across corporate, employment, IP, and litigation to deliver solutions that are practical, commercially sound, and future-proof.

    Why Local Insight Matters

    Queensland’s regulatory landscape is unique. The Retail Shop Leases Act governs disclosure and lease standards, while the Duties Act imposes transfer duty on goodwill, IP, and other business assets, often overlooked in multi-jurisdictional deals. The Planning Act 2016 shapes development approvals, requiring early sequencing and engagement with referral agencies. We anticipate these nuances, manage consent paths, and structure transactions to avoid delays and cost leakage. Our local insight means fewer surprises during negotiations, due diligence, or regulatory reviews, accelerating approvals and keeping operations uninterrupted.

    Risk Management That Works

    Legal risk often stems from unclear contracts, governance gaps, and compliance failures. We implement preventive strategies such as contract audits, clause libraries, and governance reviews, supported by tailored compliance programs with training, controls testing, and reporting cycles. For cyber and privacy, we embed breach playbooks, vendor oversight, and measurable security standards under the NDB scheme. When disputes arise, we act fast: merits analysis, evidence preservation, and ADR protocols are deployed before litigation. If proceedings become necessary, we pursue targeted strategies with strict cost control to protect your position and reputation.

    Supplier & Customer Relationships

    Strong commercial relationships require clear, enforceable agreements. We draft supply, distribution, and services contracts that balance indemnities, liability caps, SLAs, and termination rights with commercial reality. Change-control processes, performance remedies, and pricing adjustment mechanisms reduce friction as relationships evolve. With ACL unfair contract term penalties now significant, we recalibrate standard-form agreements to remove one-sided provisions and maintain compliance, protecting your business while sustaining flexibility in negotiations.

    Workforce Solutions That Protect Your Business

    Your workforce is a critical asset, and managing employment risk is essential. We design employment contracts and policy frameworks that comply with the Fair Work Act while supporting performance and culture. Contractor agreements are structured to define scope, deliverables, and IP ownership clearly, reducing misclassification risk under the new “whole-of-relationship” test. We also implement onboarding and offboarding protocols, confidentiality safeguards, and dispute resolution pathways to keep your workforce compliant, engaged, and aligned with your business objectives.

    Funding & Financing Confidence

    Capital is the lifeblood of growth, and securing it requires precision. We structure facilities, security packages, and intercreditor arrangements that align with your risk appetite and strategic goals. Our team manages duty timing and self-assessment obligations under the Duties Act to avoid penalties and keep funding milestones on track. Post-raise governance frameworks, including board reporting, milestone tracking, and budget controls, are embedded to maintain investor confidence and ensure disciplined growth.

    Client Care That Delivers

    Legal complexity can slow momentum, but our approach keeps you moving. You’ll have a dedicated contact who owns timelines, coordinates specialists, and maintains proactive communication. We provide clear status reports, decision trees, and risk registers so you always know where you stand. Our focus is not just on legal answers but on operational execution, ensuring strategies land effectively across your teams and stakeholders.

    Act Early for Better Outcomes

    Early legal input prevents costly disputes, delays, and regulatory penalties. Advice at the design stage, before contracting, restructuring, raising capital, or lodging development applications, expands your options and reduces remediation later. When issues do arise, prompt action preserves evidence, maintains eligibility, and narrows the path to efficient resolution. Acting early isn’t just smart, it’s essential for protecting value and sustaining growth.

    Key Brisbane Considerations

    • Retail leasing compliance under QLD law, including disclosure and dispute resolution pathways.
    • Transfer duty applies to goodwill, IP, and other business assets, planning is critical.
    • Privacy and cyber resilience under APPs and the NDB scheme is non-negotiable.
    • Unfair contract term penalties require immediate contract reviews.
    • Planning approvals under the Planning Act demand early sequencing and stakeholder engagement.
    • Port logistics obligations should be reflected in agreements, insurance, and compliance frameworks.

    Your Next Step

    Book a confidential consultation with our Corporate & Commercial Law team in Brisbane. We’ll help you structure deals, manage risk, secure approvals, and achieve growth with clarity and control, grounded in QLD law and tailored to South East Queensland’s operational realities.

    Call us at 02 9264 9111

    Contact our office:

    Brisbane

    Suite 406, Level 4/10 Market Street, Brisbane City QLD 4000

     

    Other Brisbane Legal Services

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    FAQ

    01What are Chamberlains' Costs?

    We offer competitive, transparent pricing, with a focus on fixed-fee pricing for many of our services. This approach ensures businesses can budget effectively without unexpected legal costs, without sacrificing top-tier legal advice.

    Contact us to discuss the pricing options suited to your specific needs.

    A sole trader operates a business under their own name, with full responsibility for all aspects of the business. This structure involves fewer commercial law compliance requirements but comes with personal financial risk.

    A company, as a separate legal entity under commercial law, provides greater liability protection but comes with increased commercial law obligations such as corporate governance regulations, and typically has higher setup and operational costs.

    Our experienced Brisbane commercial lawyers assist with negotiating and drafting commercial property leases. We ensure fair terms, minimise risks, and compliance with QLD property regulations.

    Employment contracts must comply with the Fair Work Act and QLD regulations. They should clearly outline roles, responsibilities, pay, and termination terms. Our legal team ensures compliance and risk mitigation.

    Australian Consumer Law (ACL) protects consumers and sets rules for advertising, product quality, and guarantees. Non-compliance can lead to legal consequences and damage to your business’s reputation.

    Early legal guidance is essential for compliance with corporate laws and ASIC regulations. Our Brisbane corporate law firm assists in structuring investments, protecting shareholder rights, and managing risks in the capital-raising process. Chamberlains structures deals to ensure compliance, protect shareholder rights, and mitigate potential risks. Whether issuing shares, securing investments, or raising debt, we provide strategic guidance tailored to your business needs for a smooth capital-raising process.

    Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, such as mediation or arbitration, offer faster and more cost-effective than litigation. Our commercial lawyers provide strategic guidance to maintain business relationships and achieve a favourable outcome.

    We assist with restructuring strategies and insolvency proceedings, advising on creditor negotiations and asset protection to help your business recover while managing financial risks.

    Failure to adhere to corporate governance rules can result in fines, penalties, and director liability, damaging your reputation. Our legal experts ensure full compliance with corporate law.

    Protecting your intellectual property (IP) secures your ideas, products, and brand. Failure to safeguard IP can lead to disputes and loss of valuable assets. We help with IP registration, enforcement, and dispute resolution to protect your business interests.

    Yes. The Retail Shop Leases Act sets strict disclosure and compliance requirements. Legal review ensures fair terms and prevents disputes.

    Directors must act in good faith, avoid insolvent trading, and maintain accurate records. Breaches can lead to civil penalties or personal liability.

    Start with a privacy policy aligned to the Privacy Act and APPs. Implement breach response plans and vendor agreements with strong security clauses.

    Yes, under exemptions like small-scale offerings or sophisticated investor rules. We ensure compliance with disclosure requirements.

    Prepare contracts, IP registrations, financial statements, and compliance records. A structured data room speeds due diligence and maximises buyer confidence.

    Absolutely. Register trademarks and secure ownership agreements early to prevent disputes and costly rebrands.

    We act quickly to preserve evidence, assess options, and pursue mediation or arbitration before litigation. QCAT handles many retail lease disputes.

    Yes. The ATO issues Director Penalty Notices for unpaid PAYG, GST, and superannuation, exposing directors to personal liability.

    Implement governance frameworks with board charters, risk registers, and reporting cycles. Regular audits reduce exposure to ASIC investigations.

    Unclear warranties, IP ownership gaps, and regulatory approvals. We structure deals to allocate risk and avoid post-completion disputes.

    Yes. QLD property deals involve transfer duty, planning approvals, and title checks. Legal oversight prevents costly errors and delays.

    We focus on prevention, clear contracts, governance reviews, and compliance programs. If disputes arise, we resolve them quickly through ADR or litigation strategies.

    Penalties for unfair contract terms under the ACL are significant. Standard-form agreements should be reviewed and updated to avoid enforcement risk.

    The Fair Work Act now applies a “whole-of-relationship” test for contractor classification. We review agreements and onboarding processes to reduce misclassification risk.

    Early input prevents disputes, delays, and penalties. Advice before contracting, restructuring, or raising capital expands options and reduces remediation costs later.

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    1300 676 823

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