Corporate Law

Corporate & Commercial Lawyers for Small & Medium Businesses - Melbourne, Australia

Smart legal strategy builds strong businesses.

At Whelan Lawyers, our corporate and commercial law team gives Melbourne business owners the competitive advantage they need to grow, trade confidently, and stay legally protected.

We act for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across a wide range of industries - and we know what keeps business owners up at night: risk, cashflow, compliance, and disputes. Our expertise ensures you get proactive commercial legal advice that strengthens your operations and protects your bottom line.

Contact our corporate team to get started

Call us for a complimentary initial consultation to discuss your legal matter, or simply email us and we’ll promptly call you back.

Call us (03) 8560 7031

Contact our team

Results That Matter

We don’t just advise - we deliver outcomes.
Our commercial lawyers identify risk early, negotiate from a position of strength, and ensure every contract and transaction supports your commercial advantage.

Whether you’re:

Starting a business
Scaling operations
Managing risk in day-to-day trade
Buying or selling a company

…we are the legal team in your corner.

Why SMEs Choose Us

Senior specialist lawyers - not juniors
Direct, commercial advice - no legal jargon
Fast response & solutions that reduce business risk
Fixed-fees available for many services
We fight hard to protect your business interests

Your business deserves strategic, tough, and commercially-minded lawyers.

Company & Business Structuring

Building Strong Business Foundations From Day One

We provide strategic advice and documentation on company and business structuring tailored to your commercial goals and compliance obligations.

Company formation and shareholder agreements
Partnership and joint venture structuring
Trust establishment and asset protection strategies
Corporate governance and director duties compliance
Business restructures for growth, risk management and tax efficiency
Buying into or exiting a business – advisory and documentation

Whelan Business Structuring Services

Shareholder & Founder Agreements

Protecting Business Relationships From the Start

We draft, review and negotiate tailored shareholder and founder agreements to safeguard equity, decision-making power, and the future of your company.

Shareholder rights, roles, and responsibilities
Equity allocation and vesting schedules
Exit strategies and buy-sell provisions
Dispute resolution procedures and deadlock clauses
Confidentiality and intellectual property assignment
Dividend policies and capital contribution obligations

Whelan Founder Agreement Services

Capital Raising & Equity Structuring

Structuring Capital for Growth and Success

We draft, review, and negotiate capital raising agreements and equity structures tailored to your business stage, funding strategy, and growth ambitions.

Private equity and venture capital structuring
Share issuance and subscription agreements
Convertible notes, options, and employee equity plans
Investor rights, preferences, and protections
Compliance with corporate and securities laws
Strategic advice on fundraising rounds and governance

Whelan Captital & Equity Services

Corporate Governance & Compliance

Strengthening Governance, Minimising Risk

We draft, review, and implement governance frameworks and compliance policies tailored to your business structure and industry requirements.

Board charters, policies, and procedures
Director and officer duties guidance
Regulatory and statutory compliance advice
Risk management frameworks
Reporting obligations and corporate record-keeping
Governance reviews and ongoing compliance monitoring

Whelan Compliance Services

Mergers, Acquisitions & Business Sales

Maximising Value in Every Transaction

We draft, review, and negotiate agreements for mergers, acquisitions, and business sales tailored to your commercial objectives and risk profile.

Business sale and purchase agreements
Due diligence and risk assessment
Share and asset acquisitions
Mergers and corporate restructuring
Negotiation of terms and conditions
Post-transaction integration and dispute prevention

Whelan Mergers Sales Services

Employee Share Schemes & Executive Incentives

Aligning Talent With Business Success

We draft, review, and advise on employee and executive equity arrangements tailored to your corporate structure, regulatory requirements, and commercial objectives.

Design and implementation of employee share schemes (ESS)
Executive and key management incentive plans
Share option agreements and performance rights
Tax and compliance advice for ESS participants
Vesting schedules, exit strategies, and retention clauses
Governance and reporting requirements

Whelan Shares & Incentive Services

Corporate Advisory & Strategic Counsel

Guiding Your Business Through Complex Decisions

We offer tailored corporate advisory services and strategic counsel to align your business structure, operations, and governance with your commercial objectives.

Corporate strategy and operational planning
Risk management and regulatory compliance advice
Board and management advisory services
Restructuring, mergers, and acquisitions support
Commercial negotiations and contract strategy
Ongoing guidance for corporate governance and growth initiatives

Whelan Advisory Services

Commercial Contracts with Corporate Overlay

Contracts That Protect and Empower Your Business

We draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts with a corporate lens to protect your interests and align with your company’s operational and strategic goals.

Commercial supply and service agreements
Joint ventures and partnership agreements
Licensing, distribution, and IP agreements
Corporate governance and shareholder alignment provisions
Risk allocation, indemnities, and liability management
Contract review, negotiation, and dispute prevention

Whelan Commercial Contract Services

Insolvency Law

Protecting Your Business When Challenges Arise

We advise on all aspects of insolvency law, including formal proceedings, restructuring options, and dispute resolution to safeguard your business and personal exposure.