Corporate lawyers for companies, boards and family businesses
We provide dynamic legal counsel to support private and public companies, government-owned enterprises, investors, not for profit organisations and family businesses across the full range of commercial and corporate advisory services.
Whatever you need to set up, manage or grow your business, we can provide the legal expertise and industry knowledge to give you an Astute Advantage. Our team has deep experience across many industry sectors including agricultural supply, childcare, construction supply, health, real estate, retail, sports, telecommunications, transport and veterinary industries.
We are also represented on many industry bodies, including the Franchising Council of Australia, Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), Property Council of Australia and Chair Connect (representing governance in independent schools) to share our legal insights and stay across the latest industry developments.
We focus on what’s important to you, ensuring not only that deals get done, but they are drafted, negotiated and completed with your commercial objectives, risk appetite and industry drivers always at the forefront of our legal strategy and decision making.
Our corporate lawyers work with company directors, boards, senior executives, in-house counsel, shareholders and family business owners across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Northern Rivers and nationally, from day-to-day commercial questions through to mergers and acquisitions and business structuring.
Specific services
Enterprise structuring
Whether you’re starting out or entering a new phase, we can guide you on the most effective governance models; draft constitutions, shareholder or other security agreements; and advise on regulatory compliance and other matters.
Corporate governance
Many private companies, government owned enterprises, not for profit organisations and schools rely on us for governance advice, including practical advice on how to set up the most effective governance frameworks and improve board processes and performance.
Governance for NFPs
Not for profit organisations, charities and community groups face governance challenges that differ from the private sector. We advise boards and committees on structuring, regulatory compliance, tax concessions and the practical governance frameworks that keep an organisation accountable to its members and its purpose.
Private capital
Raising or deploying private capital requires more than a term sheet. We advise investors, family offices and growing businesses on structuring, due diligence and negotiation, working to protect commercial interests while keeping deals moving at the pace private capital demands.
Schools
Within the private education sector, we have extensive experience working with independent schools to provide expert advice to principals and boards on governance issues, accreditation requirements, planning and property matters, development agreements and project structuring.
Governance for government
Government owned enterprises and statutory authorities operate under a distinct set of accountability and compliance obligations. We advise boards and executives on governance frameworks, public sector reporting requirements and the decision-making processes that stand up to scrutiny.
Restructures
Businesses change shape as they grow, consolidate or respond to new conditions. We guide clients through restructures including entity simplification, group reorganisations and ownership changes, managing the legal, tax and regulatory considerations at each stage.
Shareholder governance
Effective management is key to the success of any business. We can assist in the negotiation and preparation of effective management and governance documents to ensure that funding requirements, management protocols and exit scenarios that work are documented in plain English.
Agribusiness
The agricultural supply sector has its own commercial pressures, from seasonal cash flow to succession across generations. We support agribusiness clients with structuring, contracts and governance advice tailored to the realities of farming and rural enterprise.
Looking for body corporate or strata advice? That sits with our body corporate lawyers.
Who we act for
We act for private and public companies, government owned enterprises, not for profit boards, family businesses and investors. Much of our work is ongoing rather than transactional: we are the firm directors call before a board meeting, not only when a deal is on the table. That relationship matters most when something is contested, and our team is represented on the Franchising Council of Australia and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Key contacts
We work to build authentic relationships where our experience and dynamic counsel combine to deliver invaluable insights that drive your success.
Peter Hollett, Director, Education Finance Services Pty Ltd
As a client over many years I can highly recommend any form of legal representation by Ken Petty and his team. Their service, advice, attention to detail and professionalism are outstanding. If you are looking for competent professional people, reliable communication and precise solid advice you can’t go past them.
Ben Graziani, CFO/Company Secretary, National Trust of Australia (Queensland) Limited
Insights
Leading expertise, nationally recognised
Connect with our dynamic legal advisors to unlock your astute advantage and shape greater outcomes for your business, your people and your community.
Contact our Corporate and Commercial experts
Our experienced team is here to help you navigate through any challenge with confidence and expertise. Contact us now for a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What does a corporate lawyer do?
A corporate lawyer advises companies and their directors on how the business is owned, governed and run: company structures, shareholder and unitholder agreements, board obligations, acquisitions and disposals, and regulatory compliance. The work is usually preventative rather than reactive. Most of what we do is making sure a decision is sound before it is made.
When should a business engage a corporate lawyer?
A business should engage a corporate lawyer before a decision is locked in rather than after: bringing in a new shareholder, restructuring, buying or selling a business, changing the board, or facing a regulatory question. Advice taken early is almost always cheaper than the dispute it prevents, and it gives you room to negotiate that you lose once documents are signed.
What is the difference between a corporate lawyer and a commercial lawyer?
The difference between a corporate lawyer and a commercial lawyer is largely one of focus. Corporate work concerns the company itself, its structure, ownership, governance and shareholders. Commercial work concerns what the company does day to day, such as contracts, supply arrangements and trading terms. Most businesses need both, and at RedeMont the same team handles them together.
Do you advise not for profit and government boards?
Yes, we advise not for profit and government boards on governance frameworks, constitutions, director duties and regulatory compliance, alongside our work for private and public companies. Governance for a not for profit or a government owned entity carries obligations that differ from a private company, and we work through those specific requirements with your board.
These FAQs are general information only and are not legal advice for your specific circumstances. The commercial and legal position depends on the detail of your matter. For advice built around your situation, speak with our team about the right next steps.