Commercial & Civil Law
Businesses and individuals rely on clear, commercially minded legal advice to protect their interests and resolve disputes efficiently. At Burton Morley Naughton, our civil and commercial lawyers provide strategic guidance across contracts, business relationships, transactions and disputes, helping clients make confident decisions with minimal disruption.
Commercial Law Services
Our commercial law team supports businesses at every stage — from start‑up structuring to day‑to‑day operations and major transactions. We focus on practical, commercially realistic solutions that reduce risk and keep your business moving.
KEY AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Business structuring — choosing the right structure for asset protection, tax efficiency and growth
Commercial contracts — drafting, reviewing and negotiating agreements that protect your interests
Leases & licensing — retail and commercial leasing advice for landlords and tenants
Business sales & acquisitions — due diligence, contract preparation and settlement support
Shareholder & partnership matters — agreements, disputes and governance advice
Our approach is grounded in clarity, responsiveness and a deep understanding of the commercial realities facing Melbourne businesses.
Civil Law & Dispute Resolution
Civil disputes can be stressful, time‑consuming and costly if not managed strategically. We help clients resolve issues early wherever possible, and provide strong representation when litigation becomes necessary.
WE ASSIST WITH
Contract disputes — enforcing agreements, resolving breaches and negotiating outcomes
Property & boundary disputes — ownership issues, easements, fencing and neighbour disputes
Debt recovery — letters of demand, negotiation and court proceedings
Misleading or deceptive conduct — claims under the Australian Consumer Law
Commercial litigation — representation in VCAT, Magistrates’, County and Supreme Court matters
We focus on early resolution strategies, cost‑effective negotiation and, when required, decisive litigation.
How We Work Together
01 Initial Consultation & Issue Assessment
We start by understanding your situation, reviewing any documents and identifying the key legal and commercial issues. This gives you clarity on your position and the options available.
02 Strategy & Scope of Work
Once we understand your goals, we outline a clear strategy — whether that’s negotiation, contract drafting, risk management or preparing for litigation. You’ll receive a defined scope of work, expected timelines and transparent costs.
03 Action, Negotiation & Resolution
We implement the agreed strategy, handling communication, drafting, negotiations or court steps on your behalf. Our focus is always on achieving a practical, commercially sensible outcome while protecting your interests.
04 Finalisation & Ongoing Support
Once your matter is resolved, we ensure all documents, agreements or court orders are finalised correctly. We remain available for follow‑up advice, future planning or ongoing business support.
Why Choose Us For Commercial & Civil Law Matters
Businesses and individuals across Bayside, the Inner South and the Inner South‑East rely on our commercial and civil law expertise for clear, practical legal guidance. We regularly assist clients in the Cities of Bayside, Glen Eira, Kingston, and Port Phillip, giving us a strong understanding of local commercial conditions, council requirements, planning frameworks and the way disputes typically arise in the area. Whether you operate a small business in Bentleigh, manage property in Brighton or are navigating a commercial agreement in St Kilda, our team provides strategic, commercially minded advice grounded in local knowledge.
Commercially focused advice — we understand the realities of operating a business in Melbourne’s Inner South, Inner South-East and Bayside areas, and tailor our guidance to your commercial objectives.
Local knowledge that matters — we understand local business environments, council processes and regional commercial trends.
Clear, practical communication — no jargon, no confusion; just straightforward advice so you can make confident decisions.
Strategic dispute resolution — we prioritise early negotiation and practical outcomes, with strong litigation capability when matters escalate.
End‑to‑end support — from contracts and structuring to disputes, transactions and ongoing advisory work, we support businesses and individuals at every stage.
Responsive and accessible — you work directly with experienced lawyers who keep you informed and involved throughout your matter.
Common Questions About Commercial & Civil Law Matters
01 What does a commercial lawyer actually do?
A commercial lawyer helps businesses manage risk, negotiate agreements, resolve disputes and comply with legal obligations. This includes drafting and reviewing contracts, advising on business structures, handling transactions and representing clients in negotiations or litigation.
02 When should I get a lawyer to review a contract?
Ideally before you sign anything. A lawyer can identify risks, clarify obligations, negotiate better terms and prevent disputes. Even “standard” contracts often contain clauses that shift liability or create unexpected obligations.
03 How are commercial disputes usually resolved?
Most disputes resolve through negotiation or mediation rather than court. We focus on early, cost‑effective resolution, but provide strong representation in VCAT, the Magistrates’, County or Supreme Court when litigation is necessary.
04 What does it cost to engage a commercial lawyer?
Costs depend on the complexity of the matter and the work required. We provide clear scoping, transparent pricing and regular updates so you always understand the likely investment before proceeding.
05 Do you work with small and medium businesses?
Yes. We regularly assist SMEs across Bayside, Glen Eira, Kingston, and Port Phillip with contracts, disputes, leasing, structuring and ongoing advisory work. Our advice is practical and tailored to the realities of running a local business.
06 Can you help with commercial leases?
Absolutely. We advise both landlords and tenants on retail and commercial leases, including negotiations, disclosure requirements, rent reviews, assignments and dispute resolution.
07 What information should I bring to my first meeting?
Bring any relevant contracts, correspondence, emails, notices, financial documents or timelines. If you’re unsure, bring everything you have — we’ll identify what matters and what doesn’t.
08 Do you handle both civil and commercial matters?
Yes. We assist with contract disputes, debt recovery, property and boundary issues, misleading conduct claims, business disagreements and commercial litigation.
Speak With a Commercial Lawyer
Whether you’re entering a new business arrangement, reviewing a contract or facing a dispute, timely legal advice can protect your position and prevent issues from escalating.