We can help with various issues that arise from commercial activities, including contract disputes and shareholder or director disagreements.
We are committed to protecting you and your business, so trust us to put you first.
We provide comprehensive legal advice, develop strategies for resolving disputes, and represent clients in negotiations, mediation, or court proceedings. By leveraging our expertise, as business litigation lawyers we aim to protect our clients' interests, minimise financial risks, and ensure favourable outcomes.
We are committed to protecting you and your business, so trust us to put you first.
With the help of an experienced business litigation lawyer, Melbourne business owners can get a range of legal issues resolved in one location.
There’s no need to specifically find commercial dispute lawyers or debt recovery experts. Your business’s lawyers should have the depth of knowledge and experience needed to meet all of your legal needs.
If you can’t see your particular matter listed, don’t hesitate to contact us. The list we provide isn’t exhaustive as commercial law within itself is broad and as such, so are the matters we deal with.
So, what does hiring a Litigation Lawyer involve?
Our aim is to ensure you know where you stand and that your best interests are recognised and protected at every stage of the litigation process.
If you are considering hiring a business litigation lawyer Melbourne, read on. It’s worth learning more about what each of these steps involves.
Your free 15-minute consultation helps us understand your expectations and the outcome you want to achieve.
We’ll also take the time to show you what the typical costs of hiring a business litigation lawyer in Melbourne are. Our aim is to ensure that costs you may be facing – whether they are financial, reputational, or other – can be limited by strategising towards a quick resolution to your matter.
If you do wish to proceed, you’ll need to sign a client services agreement, which will include your costs estimate.
We work together to collate relevant information, prepare documentation and conduct initial research
Once you’ve decided to use our litigation law services, we’ll begin taking instructions and gathering information. This process involves promptly collecting any documentation that is relevant to your dispute, articulating your position on the matter, and corresponding with other parties who may be involved.
Our efficient, thorough approach in this area is one of the many reasons we’ve built a reputation for being the business litigation lawyers Melbourne business owners trust with their matters. We understand that when your business is on the line, every day counts.
Mediation is an essential step in the litigation process. In fact, dispute lawyers Victoria-wide must engage in formal mediation prior to a trial or final hearing. There are many ways you can benefit from mediation:
In many cases, our business litigation lawyers are able to use their exceptional negotiation skills, tact, and tenacity to reach a preferable outcome through mediation. If you’re searching for business litigation lawyers which Melbourne businesses can rely on to act in their best interests, it’s essential you find a lawyer who understands the importance of mediation.
Unfortunately, not all matters can be resolved through alternative dispute resolution processes like mediation. When it is clear that no agreement can be reached through mediation, your business litigation lawyer will advise you on your litigation strategy. This strategy will involve preparing for trial in the court or tribunal best-suited to your matter.
At Melbourne Law Studio, our commercial litigation lawyers have experience at all levels of the Victorian judiciary. From the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), through to the Supreme Court, we have lawyers and barristers with the experience you need to feel confident about your case.
When it’s time to partner with a business litigation lawyer, Melbourne business owners know the firm to turn to.
Our team of highly regarded commercial litigation lawyers have experience acting for plaintiffs and defendants across the wide spectrum of legal issues that will arise throughout your business’ lifecycle.
From the first letter, to the last appeal, our business litigation lawyers will craft and implement a strategy based on your desired outcomes and your business’ needs.
Not all law firms understand the complexities of operating a business in the real world. Whether you need contract negotiation, dispute resolution, or representation in court, leave the litigation to us. You’ve got a business to run.
With the help of an experienced business litigation lawyer, Melbourne business owners can get a range of legal issues resolved in one location.
There’s no need to specifically find commercial dispute lawyers or debt recovery experts. Your business’s lawyers should have the depth of knowledge and experience needed to meet all of your legal needs.
If you can’t see your particular matter listed, don’t hesitate to contact us. The list we provide isn’t exhaustive as commercial law within itself is broad and as such, so are the matters we deal with.
I needed a contract reviewed urgently. Ines at MLS was able to review the contract in a timely manner and she also provided a list of amendments she recommended and then implemented once discussed with me. The whole process from start to finish went seamlessly and the stress factor was non existent. I will be using Melbourne Law Studio for any legal needs in the future
l often referred my clients to MLS and delivering excellent results for them, with the up most professional services and the best interest for the clients at heart. Highly recommended!
I was nervous about entering into a new commercial lease as the previous one we signed ended badly. MLS made it feel very relaxed and broke everything down for me without issue. They made sure that I understood my obligations and negotiated further rights to include in the contract so that I avoid the issues I’ve had previously. I’m glad I got onto Melbourne Law Studio and would highly recommend them.
I can't express how grateful I am for the assistance I received regarding a complex contract dispute. Ines at Melbourne Law Studio was not only knowledgeable but also genuinely cared about my situation. It took some time to resolve the matter as we had to negotiate back and forth but it was a great result and I am happy to be moving on.
The team at Melbourne Law Studio provided a fast and easy service when drafting our shareholder agreement. They took the time to understand our needs and delivered a document that protects our interests equally. We had some specific items we wanted included and we didn’t have any issues, we appreciate their professionalism and turnaround time
Here are some of the common questions our clients ask us when considering Business Litigation
It is a lawyers job to help you determine whether you have a claim or a defence. Not all matters proceed to litigation and a careful analysis of the facts is important to figure out where you stand and what you could potentially gain (or lose). If you’re still hesitant about booking a free consultation with a commercial litigation lawyer, you can always contact the Victorian Small Business Commissioner first to take advantage of their information on disputes resources.
You can save time and money by browsing through the Business Victoria website, where you’ll find a wealth of information on the legal requirements involved in running a business and responding to any disputes that may arise. Keep in mind that although there are basics which apply across the board, there are instances where a lawyer and your accountant can help you maximise your income and reduce tax by advising on the best structure for you.
In Australia, the appropriate court for a commercial legal dispute depends on the nature of the claim. Generally, lower-value disputes are heard in local or magistrates' courts, while more complex or higher-value claims typically fall under the jurisdiction of district county or supreme courts. Additionally, specialised tribunals, such as the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) may be the appropriate avenue, depending on the type of law. Issuing in the wrong court or tribunal can be costly and cause delays, it's important you speak to a qualified legal practitioner who can help you decide on the best jurisdiction.
Don’t panic, you don’t have to respond yourself but you shouldn't ignore it. Even if you receive a letter of demand, it still remains to be seen whether the claims within the letter are legitimate. A party who sends a letter of demand does not automatically have their debt claim validated by virtue of the letter just being sent. There is a process to follow in collecting debts and similarly, in fighting unfair debt claims. An experienced lawyer will be able to tell you how to respond to the letter and on what basis you do or don’t have to pay the amount sought from you.
If you receive a statement of claim (also known as a complaint), this means that someone is initiating formal legal proceedings against you. The relevant paperwork has been filed with the Court by the person initiating the claim. We call this person the plaintiff. You must respond to a statement of claim within the timeframe dictated by law. You do this by filing a defence. If you don’t respond quickly enough, the other party will be able to obtain judgment against you (referred to as default judgment), which may include an order for you to pay the damage. If you do file a defence in time, you become the defendant in the proceeding.
You should seek legal advice from a commercial litigation lawyer as soon as you become aware of any statement of claim made against you, preferably even earlier so that your lawyer can try and prevent it from happening in the first place. Once the matter has commenced, your lawyer can draft a response, advise you on your prospects as well as on the potential outcomes. They can also determine the facts if there is a counterclaim to be pursued on your behalf.
Are you ready to get answers to your business litigation questions? We have commercial litigation lawyers Melbourne wide available to book your free 15 minute consultation.
We want your time with us to be as convenient as possible, so when you contact us, just let us know which type of meeting you’d prefer:
In person: Come see us in our Melbourne City office.
Over the phone: Book a phone consultation at a time that suits you.
Facetime/Zoom/Skype: Book a videoconference for a convenient face-to-face consultation.
Choose a time that suits you to have a chat about your legal needs.
Send us a message using the form below.
