Business Law
Business Lawyers in Geelong
Whyte, Just & Moore advises Geelong businesses on matters like how to structure your business, how to protect it as it grows, and how to buy or sell it when the time comes.
Business structures
Guidance on selecting the right structure for your business, including sole trader, partnership, company, and trust arrangements.
We can work with your accountant or financial partner to advise you on asset protection, tax implications, and structural efficiency.
Business contracts
Drafting and reviewing contracts, including shareholder agreements, terms of trade, licence agreements, and general business agreements.
Business purchases and sales
Comprehensive legal support for buying or selling a business, from due diligence and contract negotiation through to settlement.
Trusts
Advice on the creation and ongoing management of business trusts, including the benefits, risks, and obligations involved. We work alongside your accountant to make sure the structure suits your circumstances.
Looking for advice on commercial law, including commercial leases, transactions, loan agreements, and compliance?
Why Geelong Families Choose
Whyte, Just & Moore
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Serving Geelong since 1877
Nearly 150 years of working with Geelong businesses means we understand the local commercial landscape and the long-term relationships that help this community thrive.
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Advice tailored to your business
Every business is different. Our advice is specific to your business, not a generic solution that might not fit.
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A collaborative approach
Good business advice doesn't happen in isolation. We work alongside your accountant and other professional advisers to make sure your legal and financial strategies are aligned.
Do I need a lawyer to buy a business in Victoria?
You're not legally required to use a lawyer, but buying a business without one can be a risk. A lawyer can review the contract, identify liabilities you're taking on, advise on the structure of the purchase, make sure the transaction settles correctly, and much more.
What is a shareholder agreement and does my business need one?
A shareholder agreement is a contract that sets out the rights and responsibilities of each shareholder. This can include how decisions are made, what happens if a shareholder wants to leave, and how disputes are resolved. If you're going into business with other people, it’s essential.
What business structure offers the best asset protection in Australia?
A company structure provides a legal separation between your personal and business assets, which offers protection if the business faces a claim or debt. A trust can offer additional protection and tax flexibility. The right choice depends on your specific circumstances. Ideally, your lawyer and accountant should work through this together.
When should I review my business contracts?
Whenever circumstances change: when you take on a new business partner, when your terms of trade shift, when you're entering a significant new agreement, when a dispute arises, etc. Many business problems trace back to contracts that were signed once and never looked at again.
What does it cost to get legal advice for my business?
Costs vary depending on the matter. For straightforward work like reviewing a contract or advising on a business structure, we can usually give you a clear estimate at the outset. Get in touch and we'll be upfront about what's involved.
Empower Your Business with Whyte, Just & Moore
Your business deserves to thrive. Book an appointment with our business law team to put the right legal foundations in place.