Business & Structuring Lawyers in Cronulla, Menai and Sydney CBD
Practical Legal Advice for Business Owners Across the Sutherland Shire and Sydney
Running a business involves constant legal decisions, from choosing the right structure at the start to protecting your interests as you grow, planning for succession, and eventually buying or selling. Getting the right legal advice at the right time can make a significant difference to the outcome of these decisions.
Southern Waters Legal’s business and commercial law team, led by Simon Bennett, provides clear, practical legal advice to business owners across the Sutherland Shire and greater Sydney. Whether you are starting out, growing, restructuring, or planning your exit, we are here to help you navigate the legal side of business clearly and practically.
Our offices in Cronulla, Menai and Sydney CBD mean we are well placed to advise businesses of all sizes, from sole traders and family businesses to larger corporate structures.
Our Experts in Business & Structuring Law can advise you on:
Business Structuring Advice
Choosing the right structure for your business, whether a company, trust, partnership, or sole trader arrangement, is one of the most important decisions you can make. The right structure can affect your tax position, your personal liability, and how the business can grow or be transferred in the future. We provide clear, practical advice on the most appropriate structure for your circumstances, taking into account your business goals, asset base, and long-term plans.
Business Succession Planning
Every business owner should have a plan for what happens when they step back, whether through a planned retirement, an unexpected event, or a sale. A well-prepared business succession plan addresses ownership transition, management continuity, and the financial interests of all parties involved. We work with business owners and their advisers to help create a plan that reflects their goals and helps provide for an orderly transition.
Partnership and Shareholder Agreements
Going into business with others requires clear agreements about how decisions are made, how profits are shared, and what happens if a partner wants to leave or a dispute arises. A well-drafted Partnership or Shareholders Agreement can help avoid costly misunderstandings and disputes down the track. We draft, review and advise on these agreements for businesses of all sizes.
Commercial Contracts
Clear, well-drafted commercial contracts are the foundation of any successful business relationship. Whether you need a supply agreement, service contract, confidentiality agreement, licence agreement, or any other commercial document, our team can draft, review, and advise on a wide range of commercial contracts. We focus on practical outcomes, giving you documents that are clear, enforceable, and appropriate for your business.
Buying and Selling Businesses and Franchises
Whether you are buying or selling a business or franchise, the transaction involves significant legal, financial and commercial considerations. We advise buyers and sellers at every stage of the process, from due diligence and heads of agreement through to the final sale documentation. Our goal is to help you understand what you are acquiring or selling, and to help ensure the transaction is documented clearly and correctly.
SPEAK WITH A BUSINESS LAWYER IN THE SUTHERLAND SHIRE
Whether you are starting a new business, reviewing your structure, or planning your exit, our team is here to help. Contact us today to arrange a consultation at our Cronulla, Menai or Sydney CBD office.
Why Choose Southern Waters Legal for Business Law
- Led by Simon Bennett, Managing Director, with extensive business and commercial law experience
- Offices in Cronulla, Menai and Sydney CBD, serving businesses across the Sutherland Shire
- Practical, plain-English advice focused on your business goals —not just the legal technicalities
- Experience across business structuring, succession, contracts, acquisitions and franchise transactions
- We work closely with your accountants and financial advisers to give you coordinated advice
- Trusted by business owners across the Sutherland Shire since 2009
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the best structure for my business?
The right structure depends on a range of factors, including your business goals, the number of owners, your tax situation, your personal asset base, and your long-term plans. Common structures include companies, discretionary trusts, unit trusts, partnerships, and sole trader arrangements — each with different implications for liability, taxation, and flexibility. We recommend seeking legal and accounting advice before deciding, as the right structure will vary significantly from business to business.
Do I need a Shareholders Agreement if I am using a company?
Yes, in most cases. A company’s constitution sets out basic governance rules, but a Shareholders Agreement provides far more detailed protections for each shareholder, including how decisions are made, what happens if a shareholder wants to exit, how disputes are resolved, and restrictions on the transfer of shares. Without a Shareholders Agreement, disputes between shareholders can become complex and expensive to resolve.
What should I look for when buying a business?
Buying a business involves legal, financial and commercial due diligence. From a legal perspective, key areas include reviewing the sale contract and any warranties given by the seller, examining key contracts (leases, supplier agreements, employment agreements), checking for any encumbrances or liabilities attached to the business, and confirming intellectual property ownership. We recommend engaging a solicitor before signing any heads of agreement or sale contract.
How do I plan for succession in my business?
Business succession planning ideally starts well before you intend to step back. Key elements include identifying potential successors (family, management, or external buyers), reviewing your business structure to ensure it facilitates the planned transition, preparing or updating buy-sell agreements, and coordinating with your accountant and financial planner on tax and financial implications. We can assist with the legal elements of your succession plan and work alongside your other advisers.
STARTING A NEW BUSINESS?
Get the structure right from the start. We advise on company, trust and partnership structures to suit your goals.
Get the structure right from the start. We advise on company, trust and partnership structures to suit your goals.
✔ Planning to Exit Your Business?
Whether you are selling, transferring ownership, or planning your retirement, we can help you prepare.
Get clear, practical advice on your business and structuring decisions — before small issues become costly problems.
Our team works with clients across Cronulla, Menai, the Sutherland Shire, and Sydney CBD, with consultations available in person or via phone and video.
Enquire About BUSINESS Law in Cronulla, Menai or Sydney CBD
Our Business & Structuring Solicitors
AREAS WE SERVICE
Cronulla | Sutherland | Miranda | Caringbah | Menai | Engadine | Gymea | Kirrawee | Sylvania | Como | Jannali | Bonnet Bay | Woolooware | Kurnell | Bundeena | Maianbar | Lilli Pilli | Port Hacking | Grays Point | Burraneer | Caringbah South | Dolans Bay | Yowie Bay | Woronora | Woronora Heights | Lucas Heights | Bangor | Barden Ridge | Illawong | Alfords Point | Sydney CBD
TESTIMONIALS
LEGAL INSIGHTS
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Selling Property in NSW? What Do You Need to Disclose to a Buyer?
Selling property in NSW comes with important disclosure requirements. Here’s what sellers should know about preparing the contract, prescribed documents, warranties and potential issues before going to market.
Buying Property in NSW? Your Due Diligence Checklist Before You Commit
Before buying property in NSW, it pays to look beyond the inspection. From the contract and title to building, pest and strata reports, here’s what due diligence can involve before you commit.