How we help

Our focus is on the legal needs of businesses within the SME sector, supporting their owners and managers.
Contracts & Agreements

Clear contracts make good business relationships because they help both parties understand their rights and obligations. Teddington insists on plain-English drafting and can help with:

  • Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of commercial contracts and documents
  • Tender processes, contract negotiations and associated documentation drafting
  • Assessment and advice on whether Franchising is right for your business
  • Franchise agreements, disclosure documentation, appropriate lease negotiation
  • Regulatory and compliance obligations
  • Capital raising agreements
  • Intellectual property rights, including trademark registration and enforcement (inside and outside of Australia)
  • Advice on practical commercial business frameworks and structures
  • Establishing proprietary limited companies, partnerships, trusts and other corporate structures
  • Management, service and employment agreements
  • Advising on and reviewing customer and supplier contracts
  • Family business advice and counsel – which can have nuances that fall outside standard business norms
  • Managing debt recovery and the Statement of Claim process
Buying & Selling Companies and Businesses

Buying and selling a business is always more effective when you have a team of experts you can trust and rely upon to assist with all areas of due diligence, financials, documentation, negotiation and sanity saving. Teddington can help with:

  • Preparing a Business for sale
  • Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality Agreements
  • Pre-contractual negotiations and drafting Heads of Agreement or Exclusivity Agreements
  • Drafting Business or Share Sale Contracts and negotiations
  • Reviewing Sale Contracts
  • Business Legal Due Diligence
  • Assignments of Lease or the Surrender and grants of a new Lease if applicable
  • Assignments of Franchise Agreements
  • Reasonable Restraints of Trade
  • Structuring Options for the purchasing entity
  • Transfers of Employees, Employment Contracts and Employee Entitlement Adjustments
  • Transfers of Business Names, Trade Marks, Intellectual Property, Domain Names
  • Transfers of Supplier Agreements and Licences
  • Loan & Security Agreements including Vendor Finance Agreements, and
  • Option Agreements and Rights of First Refusal
Resident & Nominee Director Services

Setting up an entity in a new market is very challenging and when the market is highly regulated as is Australian, having the appropriate support of a Resident Director is essential to ensuring regulatory compliance. The nominee will be a director of the company in name only and will not have any other business responsibilities. A nominee resident director enables a company to meet its legal requirements and provides access to governance expertise.

  • Incorporation of Australian Entity, including managing Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regulatory requirements
  • Applying for Australian Business Number (ABN) from the ATO
  • Apply for the TFN for the company and GST registration – all required before commencing operations
  • Help you set up a local business bank account
  • Arrange, if necessary, your Australian operations to be exempt from audit
  • Use the Teddington office address as your Registered Office
  • ASIC Agent Services to ensure your compliance in this market
  • Provide consultative advice and support for the successful growth of the Australian operations if required
  • Having a lawyer as your Resident Director also gives you access to legal services such contract drafting and review, employment issues, asset purchase and disputes at a discounted rate
  • Teddington Legal supports business with their migration requirements should the newly established entity be looking to bring staff into Australia
Technolgy Law & Cyber Security

The real challenge in today’s online environment is balancing both advancing and protecting business in the digital space. Teddington can help with:

  • Website terms and conditions
  • E-business advisory
  • Mandatory data breach reporting requirements
  • Privacy compliance procedures
  • Protection of intellectual property in IT & technology
  • Confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements
  • Independent contractor agreements
  • Email and internet policies
  • Media storage and escrow agreements
  • Technology acquisition and implementation contracts
  • Software and hardware development contracts
  • Web development and maintenance contracts
  • Software licensing
  • Outsourcing contracts
  • IT tenders, contracts and due diligence
  • Distribution, manufacturing and supply contracts
  • Domain name disputes
  • Enforcement and anti-piracy advice
Employment Law

We can assist businesses of all sizes manage employees more effectively and safeguard your rights as an employer, working alongside your business to provide advice on the legal obligations when it comes to managing your employees. Our aim is to develop employment law solutions that become embedded in the culture of an organisation, not just provide legal advice.

Teddington can assist employers with advice and pro-active management of the employee relationship in the following areas:

  • Employment agreements including post-employment restraints and executive remuneration packaging.
  • Sub-contractor agreements
  • Workplace policies and procedures, including EEO/harassment, parental leave, flexible working arrangements and whistle blowing processes
  • Termination of Employment & Redundancy procedures.
  • Confidentiality, IT Usage, Social Media and Privacy Policies
  • Grievance & Misconduct policies and procedures
  • Assisting clients with their obligations around diversity, discrimination, workplace bullying, harassment and sexual harassment
  • Fair Work Act 2009 compliance including General Protection disputes and Unfair Dismissal actions
  • Workplace investigations and training

Ideally prevention is always better than cure, so a lot of the work we do is around establishing the correct employee framework, developing and implementing appropriate policies and management competencies to ensure a productive and harmonious working environment for both management and employee. A good employment outcome for Teddington is for our clients NOT to end up in the Fair Work Commission but to have them focusing all their energies on running their business.

Business Structuring

One of the key decisions to make when starting a business is its structure. The structure that you choose will depend on the size and type of business, your personal circumstances and how much you plan to grow the business, and ultimately what your future plans are for the business.Starting off with the end in mind, will set you in good stead. Teddington can help with:

  • Identifying the correct structure, whether that be sole trader, partnership, Limited liability or a trust structure
  • Incorporating existing businesses
  • Establishing Family Discretionary Trusts
  • Shareholder and Partnership Agreements
  • Business Succession Planning
  • Confidentiality Agreements and Non-disclosure agreements
  • Advice in relation to preparing a Business for sale,
  • Is your Business Ready for Sale?
  • Advice in relation to pre-contractual negotiations and drafting Heads of Agreement,
  • Drafting and/or advising on Business Sale Contracts and negotiations,
  • Business Legal Due Diligence,
  • Assignments of Lease or the Surrender and grants of a new Lease,
  • Assignments of Franchise Agreements,
  • Advice in relation to reasonable Restraints of Trade,
  • Structuring options for the purchaser entity.
Gaming Law & Licencing

Gaming businesses need counsel who can react quickly, economically and effectively to address virtually any legal situation that arises within the gaming industry. With our extensive experience in this field Teddington can help clients navigate the regulatory licencing landscape and provide:

  • Strategic and regulatory advice relating to issues and/or establishment of gaming and wagering businesses in many jurisdictions
  • Appearances at the relevant state based Commissions and Tribunals
  • Licensing, applications and compliance issues for new and established venues
  • Corporate and governance advice
  • Transfer applications, and buying, selling and leasing licensed businesses
  • Commercial arrangements relating to gambling operations and other commercial transactions in Australia and internationally
  • Protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in Australia and overseas
  • Planning applications and disputes
  • Venue operator licence applications
  • Venue approvals
  • Liaison with regulators concerning new licences, change of control and potential breaches
Conveyancing Commercial & Retail Property

Teddington are legal professionals with a passion for property. Buying and Selling Property is an important activity for both businesses and individuals and our team of property professionals can guide you through these transactions with strategic property advice and the appropriate support.

Whether it is:

  • Buying or selling commercial, industrial and retail property
  • Effective structuring of property transactions
  • Off the plan and major property developments
  • Drafting, reviewing and negotiating contract documentation both for commercial & residential property
  • Seeing the transaction through to settlement in both the commercial and residential arena
  • Preparation and discharge of mortgages and caveats

You don’t need to be an expert in these transactions because Teddington has extensive property law knowledge and expertise ensuring your interests and assets are taken care of. Nor do you need to be worried about the cost as we work on a fixed fee basis. Property acquisitions are usually a central and vital element to a business’s overall plan – dotting all the i’s and crossing all the t’s is essential to ensuring these transactions are executed seamlessly, that’s the comfort you’ll feel when working with Teddington on your property transactions.

Commercial Retail Leasing

When it comes to commercial or retail leases, there is a lack of understanding around just how complex a commercial lease can be and how easily it can be to be faced with potential problems. Unlike residential leases, commercial leases can have many far-reaching implications if not handled correctly. Seeking advice is essential to providing peace of mind when entering into a Lease or Premises Licence and Teddington has an experienced team ready to assist with:

  • Drafting commercial and retail leases
  • So, if you are a landlord – we would draft the lease and negotiate on your behalf any changes requested by the tenant.
  • If you are a tenant – our team would review the lease and negotiate any changes required by you to the lease terms, ensuring your interests were protected.
  • Support with regards to leases includes – extension and assignment of leases
  • Offer to and surrender of leases
  • Reviewing and providing advice on retail and commercial leases.
  • Negotiating terms of retail and commercial leases
  • Drafting or reviewing Premises Licences
  • Assigning, varying or surrendering your lease
  • Advising on lease disputes
  • Mediating lease disputes
  • Representing your interests in courts and tribunals that hear lease disputes
  • Assisting with matters before Land and Environment Court
Conveyancing Residential Property

Your home is too important to leave in the hands of someone who has only done a weekend Conveyancing course! All our Conveyancing services are performed by experienced lawyers who have more than 25 years’ experience between them gained in residential and commercial property matters.

Whilst our team is conveniently located in Surry Hills our dealings are primarily carried out by telephone and e-mail in an effort to maximise your valuable time. Meaning the physical location of your property will not be a factor in our ability to help you.

If you are selling we will:

  • Obtain all information and documents required to prepare sale Contract
  • Submit a copy of the Contract to you and your Real Estate Agent
  • Respond to requisitions and other enquiries from the Buyer
  • Deal with the discharge of your mortgage
  • Attend settlement

Home Selling Guide

If you are buying we will:

  • Review and advise on the Contract of Sale
  • Conduct negotiations with the Seller on terms of the contract
  • Exchange the Contract of Sale with the Seller
  • Make appropriate enquiries to ensure there are no issues
  • Liaise with your lender
  • Obtain searches required for settlement
  • Book settlement attendance with the lender
  • Prepare settlement figures so that you know who and how much is paid
  • Attend settlement
  • Provide post-settlement reporting on the settlement process

Home Buying Guide

Whether you are buying or selling we can act for you for a fixed price – giving you piece of mind. When you choose Teddington Legal as your legal partner at this exciting time in your life you can rest assured you have a team with the necessary experience, a value for money service and the convenience of dealing with us in an efficient, time-conscious manner.

Employers looking to sponsor professionals and other skilled workers

Teddington can assist with:

  • Temporary Skill Shortage Visas (Subclass 482)
  • Permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visas
  • Business Visitor Visas

Teddington has extensive experience with the Department of Home Affairs and can assist employers with the sponsorship, nomination and application processes required. We have a diverse network of lawyers who are registered with MARA; and who speak Mandarin, Cantonese, Arabic, Spanish, Japanese and Portuguese with access to network of translators if required. As lawyers, we not only handle immigration and citizenship applications but are also fully qualified to represent our clients with respect to appeals and litigation and are available to consult with prospective clients in person, by telephone or Skype.

The 482 visa is the most commonly used program for Australian or overseas employers to sponsor overseas workers to work in Australia temporarily.

Holders of this visa may be employed for a period of up to four years and may bring any eligible family members, including same-sex partners, who have unrestricted work and study rights in Australia.

Employers must be approved by the Department of Home Affairs as an approved sponsor. We can assist employers understand their obligations and provide support in dealing with the Department’s requirements.

Employees must meet various requirements and conditions to be eligible to hold a 482 Visa. Teddington can assist you to determine your eligibility and take care of the entire application process for you.

Individuals moving to Australia looking for Permanent Residency
  • General Skilled Migration (GSM) Program
  • Partner Visas
  • Humanitarian Visas
  • Family Visas

Teddington has extensive experience with the Department of Home Affairs and can assist individuals and families with the nomination and application processes required. We have a diverse network of lawyers who are registered with MARA; and who speak Mandarin, Cantonese, Arabic, Spanish, Japanese and Portuguese with access to network of translators if required.

As lawyers, we not only handle immigration and citizenship applications but are also fully qualified to represent our clients with respect to appeals and litigation and are available to consult with prospective clients in person, by telephone or Skype.

For more information on what to expect please see the MARA website

Entrepreneurs and business owners looking to invest in Australia

Entrepreneurs looking to establish or develop a business or invest in Australia you may be eligible to obtain a visa on a temporary or permanent basis.

Options are:

  • Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (subclass 188)
  • Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa (subclass 888)
  • Business Talent (Permanent) Visa (subclass 132)
  • Investor Retirement Visa (subclass 405)

For individuals wanting to apply for a Significant Investor Visa, the process is complex and given the amount of money needed to invest, it is critical that you receive comprehensive advice from experts in immigration and commercial law who can explain, guide and assist in:

  • which visa is best suited to your circumstances
  • the visa criteria for a provisional visa
  • what the State Governments will expect to see before they sponsor your application
  • the evidence you will need to put forward to qualify for a business or investment visa
  • the targets you need to achieve in order to qualify for permanent residence
  • what is required to legally establish and operate a business or investment in Australia
  • the risks you take on as a business owner
  • setting up business and commercial entities and guiding the applicant on the path towards permanent residency.

Teddington has extensive experience with the Department of Home Affairs and can assist entrepreneurs and business owners with the application processes required. We have a diverse network of lawyers who are registered with MARA; and who speak Mandarin, Cantonese, Arabic, Spanish, Japanese and Portuguese with access to network of translators if required.

As lawyers, we not only handle immigration and citizenship applications but are also fully qualified to represent our clients with respect to appeals and litigation and are available to consult with prospective clients in person, by telephone or Skype.

For more information on what to expect please see the MARA website

Wills & Estate Planning

Estate planning involves developing a strategy to deal with your assets after you die – the legal instruments and structures, such as a will, you put in place to transfer your assets in the event of death. It can be as simple as having a Will, but often involves powers of attorney and enduring guardianship.

Establishing a tailored Estate Plan gives you great peace of mind. Everyone’s circumstances are unique and it’s important when preparing your Estate Plan that you work with someone who has the experience to navigate this complex area.

Disputed wills and estates can be tricky. If you are seeking provision out of an estate, wish to protect an existing provision, are an executor served with a claim or seek to challenge the validity of a will, you will need to enlist the help of an Estate Planning lawyer, Teddington can help.

Property & Self Managed Super Funds

With the recent legislative changes, transferring commercial property into your Self Managed Super Fund can be an attractive option.

The long term advantages of this strategy include taxation advantages (superannuation is a low tax, and at times a no-tax, environment) and asset protection.

With constant changes to the Superannuation laws its imperative that an experienced professional provides guidance and advice in respect of all aspects of your retirement planning.

Business Succession Planning

Whether you decide to sell up, retire or have to get out of business due to health reasons, it’s important that you spend the time with your family and/or your business partners and plan what you’re going to do.

A good succession plan will help your business transition smoothly to the new owner. By planning your exit early, you can maximise the value of your business and help it to meet future needs

Teddington can assist with:

  • Business due diligence
  • Ensuring your internal policies and procedures are solid
  • Documenting and initial discussions
  • Executing your plans
  • Assisting with the change in ownership
  • Dissolving a partnership or company
  • Cancelling your business name and ABN

For more information check out “Buying & Selling Companies” on our Business Law Page

If you have a legal practice and are considering your future you may even consider winding back rather than selling up and integrating your practice in to Teddington’s network. If this is of interest Join Us

Probate services

If you’ve made it here, then you’re facing the task of administering the estate of someone close to you who’s just passed. We are truly sorry for your loss.

The process can be daunting, painful, unfamiliar and quite frankly, stressful. We’re here to lessen the load.

In the majority of cases, you are the nominated Executor of the will and such will need to apply for a Grant of Probate. Or if the situation is a little less clear and the family member has died intestate, without a will, then you will need to apply for Letters of Administration. We can help with whatever situation you are in.

There is a process that involves the below steps.

  • Initial consultation with lawyer is discuss specific circumstances
  • Gather required documents
  • Publish the probate notice declaring intention to administer the estate
  • Preparation of documents and signing requirements
  • Communication with banks, creditors & beneficiaries
  • Submit probate application with Supreme Court
  • Respond to Requisitions from the court
  • Provide ongoing legal support & guidance

Applying for Letters of Administration will follow a similar process with some subtle differences due to the lack of a Will.

It is recommended this be done within six months of the deal of the deceased otherwise the applicant will need to explain the delay to the court.