For small businesses in Australia, as part of our five fantastic small business lawyers series, we have carefully selected five outstanding small business lawyers across top firms in Australia, based on our rigorous 5-point review process. This process considers their expertise, client satisfaction, reputation, cost-efficiency, and contributions to the legal community. Here are the top lawyers and their firms offering exceptional legal support to small businesses.
Ghothane Lawyers – Jagruti Ghothane
Jagruti Ghothane is a key figure at Ghothane Lawyers, a boutique law firm in Melbourne, Victoria. She specialises in business law, particularly in the sale and purchase of businesses, commercial leases, and conveyancing. The firm is well-regarded for its client-centric approach, providing legal services that cater to specific community groups with consideration for cultural and language barriers.
Practice Areas: Business Sale and Purchase, Commercial Lease, Conveyancing, Family Law, Immigration Law.
Locations Served: Melbourne, Victoria.
Ramsden Lawyers – John Ramsden
John Ramsden, Managing Partner at Ramsden Lawyers, leads a team of corporate lawyers who focus on business law for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. The firm is known for its innovative use of technology and virtual in-house lawyer services, making legal advice more accessible and efficient for small business owners.
Practice Areas: Corporate Law, Commercial Law, Employment Law, Mergers and Acquisitions.
Locations Served: Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast.
Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors (ABLA) – Nigel Ward
Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors (ABLA)
Nigel Ward is a leading figure at ABLA, which specialises in workplace relations and employment law for small businesses. Known for its award-winning team, ABLA offers clear and practical legal guidance, helping businesses navigate complex employment issues, industrial relations, and compliance with workplace laws.
Practice Areas: Employment Law, Workplace Relations, Industrial Relations, Work Health and Safety.
Locations Served: Nationwide, Australia.
Nevile & Co. Lawyers – Peter Nevile
Peter Nevile, the Principal Lawyer and founder of Nevile & Co., has over 50 years of experience in commercial law and has grown the firm into a comprehensive boutique law firm based in Melbourne. The firm provides tailored legal services for small businesses in areas such as corporate law, property law, and commercial litigation.
Practice Areas: Commercial Law, Corporate Law, Property Law, Commercial Litigation.
Locations Served: Melbourne, Victoria.
LegalVision – Emmanuel Giuffre
Emmanuel Giuffre, General Manager and Head of Legal at LegalVision, leads a team that provides cost-effective and efficient legal services to small businesses and startups across Australia. The firm operates on a fixed-fee basis, offering certainty around legal costs and a membership model for unlimited legal support.
Practice Areas: Business Law, Commercial Contracts, Intellectual Property, Dispute Resolution, Employment Law.
Locations Served: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services do small business lawyers provide?
Small business lawyers offer a range of services, including business formation, contract drafting and review, commercial leases, intellectual property protection, employment law compliance, dispute resolution, and legal advice on mergers and acquisitions. They help small businesses navigate the complexities of legal obligations and protect their interests.
How much does a small business lawyer cost in Australia?
The cost of hiring a small business lawyer in Australia varies based on the complexity of the legal matter, the lawyer’s experience, and the firm’s fee structure. Many firms offer fixed-fee arrangements, which provide cost certainty, especially for standard services such as drafting contracts or providing initial legal advice.
Why should a small business hire a specialised lawyer?
Hiring a specialised small business lawyer is crucial because they understand the specific legal challenges faced by small businesses, such as compliance, employment law issues, and commercial agreements. Their specialised knowledge helps to avoid costly legal mistakes and ensures that the business is well-protected.
