Why Choose Whelan Lawyers?

Legal advice should help your business move forward with confidence.

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At Whelan Lawyers, we combine technical legal expertise with genuine commercial experience. Our Principal, Neda Whelan, has worked both in private practice and in-house for nationally recognised businesses, including Jim's Group and Clark Rubber. That experience provides valuable insight into the commercial pressures faced by business owners, executives and decision-makers.

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We understand that every legal decision has commercial implications. Our advice is designed to help clients manage risk, protect valuable assets and achieve practical business outcomes.

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Clients choose Whelan Lawyers because we provide:

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• Strategic commercial legal advice

• Practical and commercially focused solutions

• Clear, responsive communication

• Extensive experience advising businesses

• Fixed fee options where appropriate

• Long-term legal support as businesses grow

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Business Law Services

Businesses encounter legal issues throughout their entire lifecycle. Whether you are establishing a new company or preparing for succession planning, our lawyers provide practical advice tailored to your commercial objectives.

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Commercial Contracts

Well-drafted contracts provide certainty, reduce risk and minimise disputes.

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Our business lawyers prepare, review and negotiate:

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• Commercial contracts

• Service agreements

• Supply agreements

• Distribution agreements

• Manufacturing agreements

• Licensing agreements

• Consultancy agreements

• Confidentiality agreements

• Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)

• Terms and Conditions

• Website Terms of Use

• Privacy Policies

• Software and SaaS agreements

• Joint Venture Agreements

• Contractor agreements

Rather than relying on generic templates, every agreement is tailored to your business, industry and commercial objectives.

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Buying or Selling a Business

Purchasing or selling a business is one of the most significant commercial transactions many business owners will undertake.

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Our lawyers assist with:

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• Business sale agreements

• Business purchase agreements

• Asset sales

• Share sales

• Legal due diligence

• Vendor negotiations

• Business structuring

• Employee transfers

• Intellectual property transfers

• Settlement documentation

• Restraint of trade provisions

We work to identify legal risks early, allowing clients to make informed commercial decisions before committing to a transaction.

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Commercial and Retail Leasing

Commercial leases can significantly impact the profitability and flexibility of a business.

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We advise landlords and tenants on:

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• Commercial leases

• Retail leases

• Lease negotiations

• Lease renewals

• Lease assignments

• Rent review provisions

• Incentives

• Make Good obligations

• Outgoings

• Early termination rights

• Lease disputes

Understanding your lease before signing can help avoid costly disputes and unexpected liabilities.

Business Structures and Corporate Governance

Choosing the appropriate business structure is an important commercial decision.

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We advise clients on:

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• Company structures

• Family trusts

• Unit trusts

• Shareholder agreements

• Company constitutions

• Partnership agreements

• Joint ventures

• Director duties

• Corporate governance

• Business succession planning

Our advice is designed to support growth while protecting business owners and stakeholders.

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Shareholder Agreements and Business Relationships

Many successful businesses begin with strong relationships. Protecting those relationships requires clear legal documentation.

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Our lawyers prepare shareholder agreements that address:

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• Ownership rights

• Decision-making processes

• Profit distribution

• Exit strategies

• Deadlock resolution

• Share transfers

• Confidentiality obligations

• Restraint provisions

A well-drafted agreement provides certainty and significantly reduces the likelihood of future disputes.

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Franchising

Whelan Lawyers is recognised for its extensive experience in Australian franchising law.

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We advise:

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• Franchisors

• Franchisees

• Franchise purchases

• Franchise sales

• Franchise Agreements

• Disclosure Documents

• Franchise Code compliance

• Franchise renewals

• Franchise disputes

• Retail franchising

• Master franchising

• International franchising

Our commercial understanding of franchise systems allows us to provide advice that extends beyond legal compliance. Read our guide on how to franchise your business.

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Commercial Disputes

Disputes can disrupt business operations and consume valuable resources.

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Our commercial litigation lawyers assist with:

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• Contract disputes

• Shareholder disputes

• Partnership disputes

• Debt recovery

• Australian Consumer Law disputes

• Misleading and deceptive conduct

• Director disputes

• Mediation

• Negotiation

• Commercial litigation

Where possible, we focus on resolving disputes efficiently while protecting our clients' commercial interests.

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Employment Advice for Business Owners

Employment issues are an inevitable part of operating a business.

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We advise employers regarding:

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• Employment contracts

• Executive service agreements

• Independent contractor arrangements

• Workplace policies

• Confidentiality obligations

• Restraint clauses

• Employee disputes

• Termination advice

Proper documentation helps reduce legal risk while providing certainty for employers and employees alike.

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Intellectual Property Protection

Your intellectual property is often one of your business's most valuable assets.

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Our lawyers advise on:

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• Trade marks

• Copyright

• Licensing arrangements

• Confidential information

• Intellectual property ownership

• Brand protection

Protecting intellectual property early can provide a significant competitive advantage as your business grows.

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