Commercial Lawyers Brisbane

With all legal matters handed over to our team of commercial lawyers, you will be able to focus on what matters – building the best business you can. Our experienced lawyers, including specialised corporate insolvency lawyers, will bring a wealth of legal knowledge on all corporate and commercial matters across a wide range of sectors and industries.

Our Brisbane commercial lawyers can assist with: 

Business Establishment and Growth:

• Corporate governance
• Business structure & advisory services
• Expand and grow your business
• Overdraft facilities
• Suppliers agreements
• Shareholders agreement

Protecting your Business:

• Terms and conditions
• Trademarks & Intellectual Property

Legal Disputes:

• Commercial litigation
• Contractual disputes
• Shareholder disputes
• Debt recovery

Contracts and Agreements:

• Engagement documents and other contracts required for your business
• Supplier and contractor agreements
• Lease agreements
• Supplier agreements

Commercial Law Services in Brisbane

Shareholders Agreements & Joint Ventures

A shareholders agreement defines the rights, obligations and responsibilities of shareholders within a company. For any business with more than one shareholder, it is an essential document — setting out how decisions are made, how shares can be transferred, dividend entitlements, and how disputes between shareholders are resolved. Macmillan Lawyers and Advisors assists Brisbane businesses in drafting, reviewing and negotiating shareholders agreements tailored to their specific circumstances. We also advise on joint venture arrangements, including structuring the terms of collaboration between parties on a shared project or business venture.

As your corporate agreements lawyer, we ensure every shareholders agreement, joint venture arrangement, and other corporate agreement reflects your business's specific governance needs and protects your interests as it grows.

Corporate Governance & Directors' Duties

Directors in Australia have legal duties imposed by the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) — including duties of care and diligence, duties to act in good faith and in the best interests of the company, and duties to avoid conflicts of interest. Breaching these duties can expose directors to personal liability. Macmillan Lawyers provides practical governance advice to directors and boards, including guidance on compliance obligations, board decision-making, and corporate risk management. Our team advises on governance frameworks for businesses of all sizes, from SMEs through to mid-market corporate groups.

Franchise Law — Franchisors & Franchisees

Franchise agreements in Australia are governed by the Franchising Code of Conduct, which requires franchisors to provide a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least 14 days before any agreement is signed. Macmillan Lawyers advises both franchisors and franchisees on franchise agreements, disclosure obligations, Code compliance, and franchise dispute resolution. Whether you are establishing a franchise network or entering a franchise as a franchisee, our team can review your documentation and protect your commercial interests.

Commercial Leasing & Property

Commercial leases involve complex obligations around rent reviews, outgoings, make-good requirements, assignment rights, and lease renewal options. Macmillan Lawyers assists Brisbane businesses with commercial lease negotiations, lease assignments, retail tenancy matters, and leasing disputes. Whether you are entering a new lease, renewing an existing arrangement, or facing a dispute with a landlord or tenant, our commercial lease lawyers can advise on and protect your position.

Competition & Consumer Law

The Australian Consumer Law (ACL), contained in the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), applies to all Australian businesses. It prohibits misleading and deceptive conduct, unconscionable conduct, and unfair contract terms. Macmillan Lawyers advises Brisbane businesses on ACL compliance, reviews standard-form contracts for unfair terms, and assists with dealings with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). If your business is facing a consumer law dispute or regulatory inquiry, our team can provide advice and representation.

Commercial Contracts & Agreements

Commercial contracts are the foundation of every business relationship. A well-drafted contract protects your business from dispute, limits liability, and clearly defines the obligations of each party. Macmillan Lawyers provides commercial contract lawyers Brisbane businesses rely on — covering service agreements, supplier and contractor agreements, terms and conditions, engagement letters, and other commercial documents. If a contractual dispute arises, our team is experienced in contract dispute resolution and litigation.

As a commercial contracts lawyer for Brisbane businesses, we also handle contract disputes and enforcement, not just drafting.

Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Commercial disputes are a reality of business. When a dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation, Macmillan Lawyers is experienced in representing Brisbane businesses across the full spectrum of dispute resolution — from mediation and arbitration through to litigation in the Queensland courts. Our commercial litigation practice covers contract disputes, shareholder and partnership disputes, debt recovery, and trade practices claims. We also provide skilled legal negotiation for Brisbane businesses seeking to resolve disputes efficiently, without the cost and delay of court proceedings. We focus on achieving the best commercial outcome with an emphasis on resolving matters efficiently before they escalate. See our dedicated commercial litigation Brisbane page.

Intellectual Property

Intellectual property protection is critical for businesses that generate value from their brand, creative works, or proprietary systems. Macmillan Lawyers advises on trademark registration and protection, trademark infringement, copyright matters, and IP licensing. If your brand or IP is being misused, our team can assist with enforcement action. Visit our dedicated intellectual property lawyers Brisbane page for more information.

Debt Recovery

When a customer or counterparty fails to pay a debt, prompt legal action is essential to protect your cash flow. Macmillan Lawyers provides commercial debt recovery services for Brisbane businesses — including demand letters, statutory demands, court proceedings, and enforcement of judgments. Our team takes a practical, cost-effective approach to pursuing outstanding debts.

What is Commercial Law?

Commercial law refers to the body of legislation and regulations governing business interactions, particularly those related to commerce, trade, and corporate conduct.

In Queensland and Australia, key legal acts include:

• Corporations Act 2001 (Cth): Governs company operations and shareholder rights.
• Australian Consumer Law (ACL) in the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth): Addresses consumer protection and fair trading.
• Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth): Concerns security interests in personal property.

Our team is well-versed in commercial law, ensuring your business is protected and complies with applicable legislation. We prepare and provide legal advice on all sorts of contracts, transactions and commercial disputes.