Specialist Commercial Lawyers in Melbourne - Strategic, Results-Driven Legal Advice for Businesses
Melbourne Commercial Lawyers for Companies, Directors & Founders
Whelan Lawyers is a boutique commercial law firm in Melbourne focused on delivering high-performance, strategically targeted legal solutions for businesses of every size. We advise companies, directors, founders, investors, franchisors and professional service firms across the full spectrum of commercial law providing no-nonsense, commercially intelligent legal strategies that protect your interests and resolve disputes with precision.
Unlike larger firms, your matter is handled exclusively by senior commercial lawyers with deep experience in high-value transactions, negotiations, agreements, disputes, and compliance.
No juniors. No generic advice. Only practical, outcome-driven commercial law expertise.
Our Melbourne Commercial Law Services
Our experienced commercial lawyers in Melbourne assist with a broad range of business and corporate legal matters, including:
Business Structuring & Start-Ups
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Company formation and shareholder agreements
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Partnership, joint venture, and trust structures
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Governance and director obligations
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Asset protection and risk management
Commercial Contracts & Agreements
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Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts
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Supplier and distribution agreements
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Terms and conditions, service contracts, and licensing
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Contract enforcement and dispute resolution
Business Sales & Acquisitions
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Buying or selling a business or company
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Due diligence and contract review
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Negotiating commercial sale agreements
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Succession and exit planning
Corporate & Compliance
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Corporate governance and ASIC compliance
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Director duties and shareholder rights
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Employment and contractor arrangements
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Confidentiality and non-compete agreements
Commercial Disputes & Litigation
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Breach of contract and partnership disputes
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Debt recovery and enforcement
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Mediation, negotiation, and court representation
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Dispute avoidance and commercial settlements
Who We Work With
We advise a wide range of Melbourne clients, including:
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Founders, directors, and shareholders
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Retail, hospitality, and service-based brands
Whether your business operates in Melbourne CBD, Southbank, Richmond, Carlton, Hawthorn, Camberwell, or St Kilda, our commercial lawyers provide responsive, reliable legal support designed to help you grow with confidence.
Franchising Law
Strategic Legal Guidance for Franchise Success
Navigate franchising with confidence. We provide guidance on franchise agreements, disclosure documents, Franchising Code compliance, and relationship management for both franchisors and franchisees.
Construction Law
Construction Lawyers Who Navigate Complexity
Build projects on solid legal foundations. We handle construction contracts, disputes, payment claims, building defects, and industry compliance across residential and commercial developments.
Employment Law
Employment & Contractor Advice
Protect your business with robust employment frameworks. We assist with contracts, workplace policies, performance management, termination procedures, and Fair Work compliance.
Intellectual Property
Intellectual Property Law
Transform ideas into valuable business assets. We help protect and monetise trademarks, patents, designs, and copyright through strategic IP planning and enforcement.
Commercial Leasing
Leasing & Commercial Tenancies
Secure premises on the right terms. We negotiate retail leases, office agreements, and industrial leases while ensuring compliance with relevant leasing legislation.
Dispute Resolution
Disputes & Litigation
Resolve commercial disputes efficiently. We handle contract disputes, partnership disagreements, and business conflicts through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
Privacy Law
Data protection and privacy compliance
Navigate Australia's privacy landscape confidently. We help with Privacy Act compliance, data breach management, and privacy policy development.
Why Choose Whelan Lawyers for Commercial Law in Melbourne?
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Direct access to a senior commercial lawyer – no delegation to juniors
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Clear, strategic advice focused on your commercial outcomes
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Deep experience across business, franchising, and construction law
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Transparent pricing and complimentary initial consultations
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Trusted by Melbourne businesses and entrepreneurs across industries
At Whelan Lawyers, we combine legal precision with commercial understanding. Our goal is to help your business operate smoothly, reduce risk, and thrive in a competitive market.
Book a Consultation with a Melbourne Commercial Lawyer
Looking for a trusted commercial lawyer Melbourne businesses rely on?
Contact Whelan Lawyers today to arrange your complimentary initial consultation. We’ll help you navigate business law challenges with clarity and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should a business engage legal counsel?
The ideal time is before you need urgent assistance. Proactive legal guidance during planning, contract negotiations, and strategic decisions prevents problems and creates competitive advantages. However, we're equally equipped to assist with immediate challenges and time-sensitive matters.
Early engagement allows us to understand your business thoroughly and provide more strategic advice. When counsel is sought only during crises, options are often limited and solutions may be more costly than those available through proactive planning.
How do you approach cost-effectiveness?
We focus on providing value through strategic insight and efficient processes. Our experience across diverse commercial matters allows us to quickly identify key issues and provide targeted solutions. We discuss fee arrangements upfront and tailor our approach to match your business needs and budget considerations.
Cost-effectiveness comes from preventing problems rather than just solving them, providing advice that supports business objectives rather than just addressing compliance requirements, and structuring services to match your specific needs.
Do you work with businesses of all sizes?
Absolutely. From startup ventures requiring foundational structures to established enterprises navigating complex transactions, we adapt our services to match your business stage and requirements. Our scalable approach ensures appropriate support whether you're a sole trader or multi-entity operation.
Different business stages require different types of support. Startups need foundational structures and growth-enabling frameworks. Established businesses require sophisticated transaction support and strategic planning. We adjust our service delivery to match these varying requirements.
How do you handle urgent matters?
While we emphasise proactive planning, we understand that urgent matters arise requiring immediate attention. Our experience across diverse commercial situations allows us to quickly assess urgent issues and provide practical solutions under tight timeframes.
Emergency support involves rapid issue assessment, immediate risk mitigation, and strategic planning for longer-term resolution. Our established processes and broad experience enable effective responses to urgent commercial challenges.
