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Commercial Lawyers in Melbourne
HOCW’s commercial and business lawyers provide practical legal advice for businesses at key points of change and decision-making. We assist with commercial arrangements, business structures, transactions, governance and succession planning, helping clients make informed decisions and protect the value they have built.
Our team acts for businesses across Melbourne, Mount Waverley, Victoria and interstate.
Commercial Law Advice for Businesses
Clients seek commercial legal advice when establishing, operating, restructuring, buying, selling or planning the future of a business. We provide commercially focused guidance on the legal arrangements needed to support these decisions, identify risk and document agreements clearly.
We commonly assist when:
A new business is being established, and the appropriate structure needs to be determined
An existing business is being restructured to support growth, asset protection or tax planning
Shareholder, unitholder or partnership arrangements need to be formalised or reviewed
A contract or commercial agreement requires drafting, review or negotiation
Terms and conditions of trade, supply or service agreements need to be prepared or updated
Intellectual property, confidentiality or licensing arrangements need to be documented
A business is being bought, sold or transferred, including due diligence and transaction support
A business owner is planning for succession or exit
Our Commercial Law Services
Our commercial lawyers work with businesses across a range of industries and stages of growth. We provide clear advice tailored to the transaction, issue or opportunity in front of you, helping you understand your obligations, manage risk and make informed commercial decisions.
Business Structuring & Governance
The right business structure and governance arrangements can support growth, clarify decision-making and help manage legal risk. HOCW advises businesses, owners, directors and shareholders on company structures, corporate governance, shareholder arrangements, partnership matters, changes in ownership and business restructures.
We can also assist with legal planning for ownership changes, retirement and future business succession.
Learn more about Business Structuring & Governance
Commercial Agreements Lawyers
Clear, well-drafted agreements help businesses define responsibilities, protect commercial interests and reduce the risk of disputes. Our commercial lawyers prepare, review and negotiate agreements for a range of business relationships and transactions.
We assist with commercial contracts, terms and conditions, supply and service agreements, confidentiality agreements, partnership arrangements, distribution agreements and other business documents.
Learn more about Commercial Agreements Lawyers
Intellectual Property and Compliance
Intellectual property and compliance obligations can be important to protecting a business’s assets, reputation and commercial position. HOCW provides practical advice on legal issues arising in connection with intellectual property, regulatory requirements and business compliance.
Our team assists businesses to understand relevant obligations, identify legal risks and take a considered approach to protecting their commercial interests.
Learn more about Intellectual Property and Compliance
Business Sales & Purchases
Buying or selling a business involves more than agreeing on a price. HOCW can assist with the legal aspects of a business sale or purchase, including transaction structures, contracts of sale, due diligence, conditions, warranties, restraints, lease arrangements, employee matters and settlement.
Our lawyers work with buyers and sellers to identify issues early, negotiate appropriate terms and support a smooth transaction from initial discussions through to completion.
Learn more about Business Sales & Purchases
Trusts & Superannuation Lawyers
Trust and superannuation arrangements can form an important part of a business structure, asset-protection strategy and longer-term planning. The appropriate approach will depend on your circumstances, business objectives and relevant legal and financial considerations.
We advise on trusts, trustee obligations, trust documentation, trust-related transactions and superannuation issues connected with business ownership, succession and estate planning.
Learn more about Trusts & Superannuation Lawyers
Commercial Leasing
Commercial leases can create significant financial and operational obligations for landlords and tenants. HOCW advises on lease review and negotiation, rent and outgoings, make-good obligations, renewals, assignments, guarantees and lease-related issues.
Commercial Disputes and Litigation
If a commercial disagreement arises, early legal advice can help a business assess its position, preserve relevant evidence and consider options for resolution. HOCW’s Commercial Litigation & Insolvency team advises on contractual claims, shareholder and partnership disputes, debt recovery, business-sale disputes and commercial lease disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Law
A commercial lawyer helps you manage legal risk and make informed decisions at every stage of your business. HOCW helps you structure, document and manage your legal relationships so they support growth and protect value. We advise on how to set up and govern your business, how to put in place commercial agreements, and why meeting your regulatory obligations is essential for long‑term success.
You should engage a commercial lawyer when starting a new business, taking on investors, negotiating significant contracts, or buying and selling a business. Early advice helps you avoid costly mistakes and ensures clear arrangements are in place between owners and key stakeholders.
We advise on the appropriate structure for your business, whether that is operating as a sole trader, company, partnership or trust (including discretionary or unit trusts). We consider factors such as asset protection, risk and tax implications, and often work with your accountant to ensure the structure fits your goals.
It is highly advisable for important contracts with suppliers, customers, landlords or investors. We draft and negotiate agreements to ensure they reflect your understanding of the deal, comply with the law and manage risk in a way that suits your business.
Yes. We often work closely with accountants, financial advisers and other professionals on structuring, transactions and succession planning. This collaborative approach ensures your legal, tax and commercial strategies are considered and aligned to protect your business interests.
No. Our commercial law team is based in Melbourne and Mount Waverley, but we act for clients throughout Victoria and interstate.
Meet Our Commercial Law Team
Our Commercial Law team advises businesses, business owners and professionals on commercial transactions, contracts, corporate and advisory matters. The team is headed by Rachelle Eytan, who works with clients to provide practical, commercially focused legal advice.
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Related Services
Commercial Litigation & Insolvency
If you are involved in a business or contractual dispute, facing unpaid debts or financial distress, our Commercial Litigation & Insolvency team can help you assess your position, manage risk and work towards a resolution.
Property & Conveyancing (business property)
If your commercial arrangements involve buying, selling or leasing business premises, our Property & Conveyancing team can assist with contracts, due diligence and leasing to support your broader commercial objectives.
Wills, Estates & Succession Planning (business owners)
If you are a business owner or director and want to plan for succession, incapacity or death, our Wills & Estates team can help you integrate your business, trust and SMSF arrangements into a clear succession and estate plan.
Employment related disputes (select matters)
If you are facing specific employment‑related disputes as an employer or employee (such as contract or restraint issues), our Commercial Litigation and Insolvency team can advise you on your options to resolve the matter efficiently.