If you’re trying to settle a commercial issue or dispute, or want professional advice before starting your next commercial venture, you may need to hire a commercial lawyer.
A commercial lawyer is an expert in areas including corporation law, employment law, contract law, finance and banking and consumer law. Mostly working with corporations and large firms, commercial lawyers have a deep understanding of commercial law (sometimes called business law or corporate law), which is distinct from personal or criminal law.
In this article, we’ll outline what to look for when choosing a commercial lawyer, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great commercial lawyer?
Choosing the right commercial lawyer matters. Business disputes are often expensive and complicated, so a skilled lawyer can save you time, money and headaches by finding the fastest route to resolution.
They’re also up-to-date with the ever-evolving legislation that governs commercial endeavours, so you can be confident that the advice you receive is accurate.
We recommend keeping the following in mind when choosing a commercial lawyer in Canberra:
- Commercial law experience. Specialist commercial lawyers are typically better equipped to help you realise the outcome you want. Because commercial law is different to other types of law, we suggest opting for a lawyer or law firm with years of experience and a proven record of results.
- Honest and transparent. Look for a firm that gives you practical, realistic, and actionable advice. While your lawyer may occasionally need to be the bearer of bad news, he or she shouldn’t gloss over the unpleasant parts or promise a result that just isn’t feasible.
- Customer service orientation. Since your lawyer works for you, they should always act with your best interests at heart. The best commercial lawyers demonstrate their unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction – from being proactive about communication to keeping you updated about cost estimates.
- Compassion. While commercial issues aren’t always as emotionally-wrenching as other types of legal issues, the process can still be exhausting. The best commercial lawyers are compassionate and understand the emotional toll that any type of demanding legal situation can take.
- Efficient. Some legal matters are urgent, while strict time limits apply to others. If this is the case for you, or you just want to be sure that deadlines will be met, look for a commercial lawyer who is proactive and responsive.
The best commercial lawyers in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and maintain a minimum average of 4/5 stars on both Google and Facebook reviews.
Kamy Saeedi Law
With over a decade’s service, Kamy Saeedi Law have built many long-standing relationships with prominent businesses in the ACT and NSW. Their stellar reputation has been earnt on their foundation of understanding; truly listening to the needs of clients and their own unique circumstances.
Kamy Saeedi Law appreciate that commercial law is as vast as it is wide, with varying impacts on both businesses and consumers. Whether you are looking to dissolve a partnership, onboard an investor, or defend your contract liability, you will need experienced hands to help you along the way.
Kamy Saeedi Law’s team of skilful commercial lawyers are highly accomplished, knowledgeable, and proficient. They are well adept at advising clients on all facets of commercial litigation, both large and small. Key to this approach is developing a deep understanding of your business, values, and goals. Working together they will protect your legal position and provide solutions that best suit your needs.
Importantly, their commercial law team will be there when they are needed most. They will take the time to meticulously work through all the finer details, to allowing you the time to keep focussed on running your business. They understand that legal complexities can be costly distractions, impeding not only business performance, but mental health as well. Moreover, because they know just how daunting commercial legal costs can be, they strive to provide ongoing detailed estimates as your matter progresses.
If you’re looking for a tenacious and hard-working commercial legal team to assist with your business needs then look no further than Kamy Saeedi Law.
Tom Hilliar shared his experience with the team on Google, “Absolutely grateful for incredible support from Kamy Saeedi and Ariana Van Wyk. Amazingly patient and professional with our complex case involving two partners exiting a business. I'm sure I'm a demanding client, but I was unable to fault the team. Thanks again and best wishes to you both and the rest of your team.”
Emergency After Hours Contact: 1800 531 467
BDN Lawyers
In operation for over 150 years, BDN Lawyers (BDN) is the oldest law firm in the Canberra region. With so much experience, you can trust its team to help you make crucial decisions about commercial law in the ACT and NSW. BDN Lawyers' commercial law practitioners can assist with all aspects of commercial and business law including leasing, buying and selling businesses, shareholder agreements, company structures and commercial litigation.
Happy client Aluform Interior Supplies shared its experience with BDN Lawyers in a website testimonial: "The service provided by Baker Deane & Nutt over the many years that we have dealt with the firm has been of an exceptional standard. We have greatly appreciated their attention to detail, timely response and personal level of commitment from Tanya Nadin."
MV Law
As Canberra's largest independent law firm, MV Law can assist you with the full range of corporate and commercial legal matters. Their commercial law experts are skilled negotiators who understand policy and commercial imperatives - and they take a collaborative rather than combative approach. In fact, four of MV Law’s expert lawyers have recently been recognised amongst the best in the country, named in The Best Lawyers in Australia 2021 List.
With core values of trust, integrity, respect, and passion, working with MV Law means you can rest easy knowing you are getting some of the best commercial legal advice in the region.
As Michelle Chou writes in their Google review, "Reliable law firm, very professional and efficient. Saved lots of my time."
Snedden Hall & Gallop
Snedden Hall & Gallop’s commercial lawyers assist businesses with commercial advice, dispute resolution, and commercial property transactions and leasing. Their services include assisting with consumer law, contract advice, contract disputes, debt recovery, insolvency and administration, shareholder and partnership disputes, and intellectual property.
Mel Cummins wrote on Google, "We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the highly professional and competent services, provided in both a friendly and accessible manner. We had a long standing highly stressful case, Snedden Hall & Gallop Lawyers, took on our case, after being passed around and little success from other firms."
If you’re seeing a less-expensive alternative to going through the court system or working with a commercial litigator, you might like our article on the best conveyancing lawyers and the best mediation and conflict resolution services in Canberra.
Your experience with commercial lawyers in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the commercial lawyers listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do commercial lawyers do?
Commercial lawyers are expert at Australian commercial law, sometimes called business or corporate law. This includes being expert in many areas such as corporation, employment and contract law. They can also work in finance and bank law. They can also work in consumer law. It’s important to remember that not all commercial lawyers cover all areas of commercial law.
What makes a great commercial lawyer?
You’ll want a commercial lawyer who is experienced, including in the type of case you have. It’s best to choose one who is compassionate and has your best interests at heart. Look for honesty and transparency. If your case is urgent, you’ll want a lawyer who isn’t so busy they can’t help you.
How much do commercial lawyers charge?
Fees depend on several factors. These can include whether you’re working with a senior or junior lawyer. Cost can also be influenced by the complexity of your case. Some commercial lawyers offer the first consultation for free, while others charge. It’s best to get a detailed, written contract outlining what you're being charged for and how much.
How do I choose the best commercial lawyer?
It’s important to choose a commercial lawyer who is a good communicator. This way you’ll understand what's going on with your case. There’s nothing worse than trying to understand legal jargon. It’s also a good idea to choose a lawyer you like because you’ll be working closely with them. The size of the firm may also be important. Some clients only want to work with a small firm. Others want a large firm.
Can I get an initial consultation to see what I’m up against?
You can make an appointment for an initial consultation. Remember, however, that some firms charge for this. Some firms offer the first consultation for free (with time limitations of course).