Get matched with a Melbourne lawyer
Commercial matters in Victoria are shaped by the Corporations Act, Australian Consumer Law and state-based rules, as well as your contracts and industry standards. Whether you are finalising a deal, entering a lease or resolving a dispute, early, targeted advice usually reduces risk and cost.
We'll match you with a Melbourne lawyer and email you their introduction. Reply to it and they'll be in touch.
Service areas include Melbourne CBD, Docklands, Southbank, Carlton, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Richmond, Hawthorn, South Yarra, St Kilda, Port Melbourne, Footscray, Sunshine, Dandenong, Box Hill, Ringwood, Werribee and Frankston. Many lawyers offer video consults statewide.
Important: This page provides general commercial law information for Victoria. It is not legal advice. Get advice for your specific facts before you sign or respond.
Common business law issues in Melbourne
Services we cover
- Contract drafting and review (services, supply, SaaS, distribution)
- Shareholders and partnership agreements
- Business purchase and sale (asset or share sale)
- Commercial and retail leasing (landlord/tenant)
- Franchising (franchisee/franchisor compliance)
- Commercial disputes and debt recovery
- Intellectual property and licensing
- Privacy, website terms and consumer law compliance
- Company set-up, restructures and governance
Why choose a Melbourne business lawyer
Local lawyers understand Victorian legislation, court practice and the commercial norms of Melbourne’s sectors-professional services, construction, retail, hospitality, tech and healthcare.
- Relevant precedents for Victorian contracts and leases
- Negotiation style aligned to Melbourne market practice
- Clear view of costs, stages and likely timelines
- Fixed-fee options for predictable work
What to prepare for faster, better advice
Having the right documents ready helps a lawyer give you concrete options and accurate pricing.
- Draft contract, offer, heads of agreement or term sheet
- Key emails, messages or letters of demand
- Invoices, statements and any payment history (for debts)
- ASIC records (company extract, constitution, shareholder details)
- Lease or Agreement to Lease; disclosure statements (retail)
- Franchise agreement and disclosure documents (if applicable)
- Business financials and any due diligence materials
- Existing IP registrations, licences and website terms
Business lawyer costs in Melbourne (typical ranges)
| Matter type | Typical pricing in Melbourne |
|---|---|
| Contract review (up to ~15 pages) | $450-$1,200 fixed fee |
| Standard contract drafting (services/supply) | $1,200-$3,000 fixed fee |
| Shareholders or partnership agreement | $2,500-$6,000 (complexity dependent) |
| Commercial/Retail lease review | $660-$1,800 fixed fee |
| Business purchase or sale (SME) | $2,500-$7,500 + searches/disbursements |
| Debt recovery (letter/negotiation) | $330-$750 fixed fee |
| Debt recovery (court claim) | $1,500-$5,000 + filing/serve fees |
| Disputes/negotiations | $350-$650 per hour; caps or staged fees common |
| Startup pack (company + T&Cs + privacy) | $1,800-$4,500 package pricing |
Notes: Pricing varies by complexity, urgency and scope. GST and disbursements may be additional. You will receive a tailored quote before work begins.
Business Lawyer Melbourne FAQ
When should I hire a business lawyer in Melbourne?
Before you sign. Engage a lawyer for contract reviews, leases, franchise documents, company/shareholder arrangements, business acquisitions or when a dispute is brewing. Early input often saves cost and improves terms.
Do Melbourne business lawyers offer free initial calls?
Many do a short, obligation-free call to scope your issue and confirm fees. You’ll receive a quote or fixed-fee option where suitable.
How much does a business lawyer cost?
Typical ranges: contract review $450-$1,200; drafting $1,200-$3,000; shareholders agreement $2,500-$6,000; lease review $660-$1,800; SME sale/purchase $2,500-$7,500; disputes $350-$650/hr.
Can I get fixed fees?
Yes-commonly for reviews, drafting, trademark filing, privacy policies and startup packs. Disputes often use hourly rates with caps or stages.
Do you help startups and SMEs?
Yes. We match founders and small businesses with Melbourne lawyers experienced in structuring, shareholders agreements, SaaS terms, privacy, IP and early-stage funding.
Need a business lawyer in Melbourne?
Tell us what's happening. We'll match you with a lawyer who can help and email you their introduction. Reply to it and they'll be in touch. Free, no obligation.