Legal Practice Areas for Melbourne Businesses

Practice Areas | Trusted Business, Franchise & Construction Law Firm

Strategic Lawyers for Businesses, Franchisors, Developers and Builders

Whelan Lawyers is a Melbourne-based commercial law firm providing practical legal advice to businesses across a range of industries. Our team advises business owners, directors, shareholders, franchisors, franchisees, developers, builders and investors on complex legal matters that impact growth, profitability and risk management.

We understand that legal issues rarely exist in isolation. A business acquisition may involve commercial contracts, employment obligations and shareholder considerations. A franchisor may require advice on franchise documentation, intellectual property protection and compliance. A construction project may involve contractual, regulatory and dispute resolution issues.

Our approach is focused on delivering commercially sound legal solutions that support business objectives while protecting long-term interests.

Contact our 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

Commercial decisions require commercial advice. We help you negotiate, structure, and safeguard your deals without the jargon or delay.

We regularly advise on:

Business sales and acquisitions
Shareholder and partnership agreements
Corporate Advisory
Commercial contracts (supply, distribution, licensing, services)
Privacy compliance and data security
PPSR advice and registration
Regulatory compliance

Commercial Law

Whether you’re franchising for the first time or managing a national network, we offer legal advice that’s grounded in operational reality.

We assist with:

Franchise agreements & disclosure documents
Franchising Code of Conduct compliance
Franchise recruitment strategy & on-boarding
Dispute prevention and resolution
Terminations, renewals & transfers
Multi-unit and master franchise structuring
Reviewing franchise models

Franchising Law

whelan lawyers construction lawyers melbourne

Our experienced construction lawyers provide tailored legal advice for residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects across Australia.

We regularly advise:

Residential and commercial builders
Subcontractors and trades
Developers and project managers
Architects, engineers and consultants

Construction Law

whelan lawyers leases and property melbourne

We know how to read the fine print and anticipate the red flags especially when it comes to retail leases.

We handle:

Retail and commercial lease review and negotiation
Disclosure compliance under Victorian leasing law
Exit strategies, make-good disputes and assignments
Lease enforcement and litigation support

Leases & Property

whelan lawyers employment and contractor advice melbourne

Whether it’s your first hire or managing a team across locations, we’ll help you balance protection and practicality.

We advise on:

Employment contracts and contractor agreements
Performance management and termination
Award interpretation and compliance
Workplace policies and procedures
Restraints, confidentiality and post-employment risk

Employment & Contractor Advice

whelan lawyers disputes and litigation melbourne

We’re calm in the storm, and strategic in the courtroom. We resolve commercial disputes with a clear plan, not posturing.

We act in:

Contractual and franchising disputes
Lease disputes and property-related claims
Debt recovery and enforcement
Strategic pre-litigation advice
Negotiation, mediation and court proceedings

Disputes & Litigation

whelan lawyers intellectual property law melbourne

Your IP is the foundation of your brand, your goodwill, and your commercial edge. We help you safeguard your intellectual property from the moment it’s created, so you can grow with confidence.

We advise on:

Trade Mark Registration (Australia & International)
Drafting and negotiating licensing agreements.
Practical protection for ideas in early-stage conversations, joint ventures, or R&D environments.
Early risk assessments, cease-and-desist letters, and litigation support when your IP is under threat.

Intellectual Property Law

Your data and privacy practices are essential to maintaining trust and compliance in today’s digital landscape. We help you protect personal information and navigate privacy laws so your business can operate securely and confidently.

We advise on:

Privacy policy drafting and review
Data protection compliance audits
Privacy impact assessments
Data breach response and notification
Privacy training and governance programs
Cross-border data transfer agreements
Privacy complaint investigations
Regulatory compliance advice

Privacy Law

Your corporate structure, governance, and compliance are critical to your business success. We help you establish, manage, and adapt your corporate framework so your business can operate efficiently and grow with confidence.

We advise on:

Company incorporations and registrations
Corporate governance and compliance
Director and officer duties advice
Shareholder agreements and disputes
Corporate restructuring and reorganization
Board advisory services
Regulatory reporting and compliance
Corporate transaction support

Corporate Law

whelan lawyers wills and estates melbourne

Your will and estate plan are vital to protecting your legacy and your family’s future. We help you create, manage, and administer tailored strategies that safeguard your wishes and minimise risks. With our guidance, you can plan with certainty and peace of mind.

We advise on:

Comprehensive Will Preparation
Estate Planning Strategy
Business Succession Planning
Family Trust Establishment and Management
Probate and Estate Administration
Powers of Attorney and Guardianship
Estate Dispute Resolution

Wills & Estates