Commercial Law

The Firm

At BlackBay Lawyers, we understand that your business is your passion, and our mission is to be your trusted partner in all your commercial law needs. Our dedicated team of experienced lawyers focuses on providing personalized and effective legal solutions tailored to your unique business requirements. Our expertise spans across business structuring, agreements, intellectual property protection, employment law, and regulatory compliance. We pride ourselves on our ability to stay ahead of the ever-changing legal landscape, ensuring your business remains compliant and competitive.

With a client-centric approach, BlackBay Lawyers is committed to understanding your goals and empowering your business to thrive. Partner with us for unparalleled legal guidance and support, safeguarding your business and fostering growth in today's dynamic market.

"I am incredibly impressed with BlackBay Lawyers' expertise. They provided invaluable support to my business, addressing each challenge with a unique and tailored approach. Their commitment to understanding our industry and leveraging their extensive knowledge has made all the difference.

Client Quote, Chambers APAC

Meet The Team

Our commercial lawyer team combines decades of experience in the legal industry with countless successful outcomes. Together with our leadership, we have built one of the most renowned teams of commercial lawyers in Australia.

Special Counsel

Gosia Klus

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Associate

Isabella Orlic

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Associate

Julie Mehrdawi

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Associate

Yianni van Gelder

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Our Approach

At BlackBay Lawyers, our purpose is to empower our clients to overcome their legal challenges with confidence that not only achieve positive results but also foster growth, innovation, and success

We do this by providing exceptional legal solutions that combine the expertise of the best legal talent with cutting-edge technology. Our team is comprised of specialists in Commercial, Regulatory, Employment, and Defamation Litigation.

We are dedicated to delivering the highest level of service in a holistic manner.

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Commercial Litigation Lawyer Team in Action

Practice Area - Commercial Law

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BlackBay Lawyers helps businesses across a wide array of industries and sizes realise goals through the provision of practical legal advice. We ensure that we understand what you want to achieve in whatever business you're running, investing in or establishing from scratch.

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COMMERCIAL LAWYER

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BlackBay

Victoria-Jane Otavski

Partner

Victoria-Jane is a leading litigator and renowned Australian commercial lawyer with a substantial commercial litigation practice. She is the first point of contact for many of Australia's well known, high profile corporations on all commercial litigation cases.

Victoria-Jane has in excess of 15 years experience in commercial litigation and understands the complexities of commercial litigation and the need to balance client interests in achieving vindication and managing reputational concerns.

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Greg Leather

Partner

Greg is a seasoned litigator with a substantial practice in commercial litigation, making him a trusted advisor for many of Australia's well-known corporations.

With a career spanning over 30 years, Greg's nuanced understanding of commercial law, paired with his expertise in telecommunications, securities & financing, and mergers & acquisitions, positions him uniquely to offer both strategic and holistic legal services to clients.

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Justin Carroll

Partner

Justin is a commercial disputes partner and has practised in the Middle East, the UK and Australia.

Justin’s practice focuses mainly on public and professional liability, insurance coverage issues, defamation, property damage and engineering claims.

Justin has acted for clients in state and federal court proceedings in Australia as well as in arbitral proceedings under the ICC, LCIA and DIAC rules.

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Dragan
Gasic

Partner

Dragan is a former barriter with 25 years of experience in the legal field and specialises in complex commercial disputes, including shareholder and partnership disputes, director duties, and personal and corporate insolvency.

Dragan has appeared as counsel in a broad range of civil matters across various jurisdictions, including the Federal Court, Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, the Supreme Court of NSW, the District Court of NSW, amongst others.

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Commercial Law Services

BlackBay's commercial lawyers provide unparalleled assistance, offering expert guidance to help you navigate the complex world of business with confidence and ease.

Commercial Disputes

Our skilled commercial lawyers at BlackBay specialize in resolving disputes effectively, ensuring your business interests are protected and secure.

Employment Law

BlackBay's adept commercial lawyers excel in employment law, offering comprehensive legal support businesses helping them thrive in today's competitive & ever-changing market.

Regulatory Advice

The experienced commercial lawyers at BlackBay effectively handle regulatory law matters, navigating ASIC and ACCC proceedings to safeguard your business from potential pitfalls.

Commercial Law FAQ

Choosing the Right Commercial Lawyer for you: Why BlackBay Lawyers

Selecting BlackBay Lawyers as your legal representation provides numerous benefits, making it the ideal choice for clients seeking outstanding legal services. Here are several compelling reasons to choose BlackBay Lawyers

Extensive experience and expertise: BlackBay Lawyers boasts a team of highly skilled and experienced commercial litigation lawyers who have successfully represented clients across a wide range of industries. Their expertise in diverse legal matters ensures top-quality representation for your case.
Personalized approach: BlackBay Lawyers is dedicated to understanding each client's unique needs and tailoring legal strategies accordingly. They prioritize building strong relationships with their clients, ensuring clear communication and a customized approach to resolving legal disputes.
Proven track record: The firm's impressive track record of successful outcomes in commercial litigation cases demonstrates their commitment to achieving the best possible results for their clients. BlackBay Lawyers' reputation for excellence speaks to their ability to navigate complex legal matters with skill and tenacity.
Comprehensive legal services: BlackBay Lawyers offers a wide range of commercial litigation services, including contract disputes, shareholder disputes, intellectual property disputes, and more. Their comprehensive offerings make them a one-stop-shop for all your legal needs.
Responsive and transparent communication: The team at BlackBay Lawyers is committed to providing responsive, transparent communication throughout the legal process. They keep clients informed of all developments and ensure they understand the legal strategies being employed in their cases.
Cost-effective solutions: BlackBay Lawyers understands the importance of managing legal costs effectively. They offer transparent fee structures and work diligently to provide cost-effective solutions for their clients without compromising on the quality of legal representation.
Local knowledge and jurisdiction expertise: The firm's deep understanding of local laws and regulations, combined with their experience in various jurisdictions, ensures that clients receive informed, relevant legal advice tailored to their specific needs.
Client-focused and results-driven: BlackBay Lawyers prioritizes client satisfaction and is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for every case. Their results-driven approach means clients can trust that their legal matters are in capable and committed hands.

Choosing BlackBay Lawyers for your commercial litigation needs provides you with a skilled, dedicated, and client-focused legal team that is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes. Trust BlackBay Lawyers to provide exceptional legal representation and expert guidance throughout the litigation process.

Common FAQs about Commercial Law

What does a commercial lawyer do?

A commercial lawyer helps businesses in all aspects related to their commercial transactions, including drafting and reviewing contracts, advising on regulatory issues, and helping resolve business disputes.

Why do I need a commercial lawyer?

Commercial lawyers provide essential assistance in every aspect of your business, from compliance and corporate governance, to drafting and negotiating contracts and helping to resolve any disputes.

What type of businesses does BlackBay work with?

BlackBay works with a variety of businesses across different industries, including technology, food manufacturing, marketing, and more. We cater to both small businesses and large corporations.

How can a commercial lawyer help in contract negotiation?

Our commercial lawyers can help interpret and explain contract terms, negotiate favorable terms, and ensure that the contract complies with all relevant laws and regulations.

What is the process of working with a commercial lawyer at BlackBay?

The process begins with a consultation to understand your business needs and goals. We then provide tailored legal advice and services to help your business succeed.

What is the cost of hiring a commercial lawyer at BlackBay?

The cost can vary depending on the complexity of the work involved and we work on a time spent basis.

How can BlackBay's commercial lawyers help my business minimize legal risk?

Our lawyers can help identify potential risks in your business operations and provide strategic advice to mitigate these risks. This includes proactive contract drafting, effective negotiation, and regulatory compliance.

What areas of commercial law does BlackBay specialize in?

BlackBay specializes in various areas of commercial law, including contract law, franchise law, corporate law, intellectual property law, and regulatory compliance.

What sets BlackBay's commercial lawyers apart from others?

Our lawyers not only have deep legal expertise but also understand the commercial realities of running a business. This enables us to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice.

Can BlackBay represent my business in commercial litigation?

Yes, our team includes experienced litigators who can represent your business in court or in alternative dispute resolution processes like mediation and arbitration.

What is the process of working with a Commercial Lawyer at BlackBay?

At BlackBay, our approach to working with clients is collaborative, transparent, and tailored to your specific needs. Here is a general outline of our process:

Initial Consultation: Every engagement begins with an initial consultation. This is an opportunity for us to understand your business, its operations, and your legal needs. It's also an opportunity for you to ask questions and get to know our team. The consultation can be conducted in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing, based on your convenience.

Understanding Your Needs: Following the initial consultation, our team will undertake a comprehensive review of your business and its legal needs. This could involve reviewing your existing contracts and legal structures, assessing potential legal risks, or understanding the specifics of a legal issue you're currently facing.

Developing a Strategy: Once we have a thorough understanding of your situation, our team will develop a strategy tailored to your needs. This could involve drafting or revising contracts, advising on regulatory compliance, representing you in negotiations or litigation, or any other legal services that would benefit your business.

Implementation and Review: We will work closely with you to implement the agreed strategy. This could involve drafting documents, engaging in negotiations on your behalf, representing you in court, or providing advice and guidance as needed. Throughout this process, we maintain open lines of communication, ensuring you're kept informed and involved every step of the way. We also regularly review and adjust our approach as necessary to ensure we're meeting your needs effectively.

Ongoing Support: Our engagement doesn't end when a specific task or case is completed. We pride ourselves on building long-term relationships with our clients, offering ongoing legal support tailored to the evolving needs of your business.

What is commercial law and why is it important for my business?

Commercial law, also known as business law, is a broad legal area that governs all aspects of conducting business, including the creation of new companies, business planning, transaction handling, mergers and acquisitions, and contracts. It includes a broad range of legal disciplines such as contract law, corporate law, intellectual property law, and employment law, among others.

A commercial lawyer is integral to the smooth operation of a business. They provide guidance on a variety of legal matters, from the inception of a business, through its growth and development, and even its sale or dissolution. Their role includes drafting contracts, negotiating deals, and providing advice on regulatory issues and potential legal risks.

Importantly, a commercial lawyer helps businesses navigate the legal landscape, ensuring they operate within the law while achieving their strategic objectives. They protect businesses from potential legal pitfalls that could lead to costly litigation or damage to a company's reputation.

At BlackBay, our commercial lawyers understand the complexities of business operations and the legal issues that can arise. We're committed to providing practical, tailored advice that aligns with your business goals, helping you to make informed decisions that can drive the success of your business.

What kind of legal issues does a Commercial Lawyer help with?

A commercial lawyer can assist with a wide variety of legal issues that businesses encounter. These can range from day-to-day operational issues, like contract drafting and negotiation, to major business events such as mergers and acquisitions.

At BlackBay, our commercial lawyers are experienced in many areas, including:

Contract law: We help with drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of business contracts, including supplier agreements, customer contracts, and employment agreements.
Business structure: We can advise on the most appropriate structure for your business, considering factors such as liability, taxation, and control.
Corporate governance: We assist with issues related to the running of a corporation, such as director duties and shareholder rights.
Mergers and acquisitions: Our team can guide you through the complexities of buying, selling, or merging businesses.
Employment law: We can assist with employment contracts, workplace policies, and dispute resolution.
Intellectual property: We can help protect your business's intellectual property rights, such as trademarks, patents, and copyrights.
Dispute resolution: We provide strategic advice to resolve business disputes efficiently and effectively, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
Regulatory compliance: Our team can advise on compliance with applicable laws and regulations, minimizing the risk of legal and regulatory breaches.

How can a commercial lawyer help protect my business interests?

Commercial lawyers play a crucial role in protecting business interests. They can help prevent legal disputes by creating clear, legally sound contracts and agreements that leave no room for misinterpretation. They can also help businesses navigate the complex landscape of regulatory compliance, reducing the risk of violations that could lead to penalties or damage a company's reputation.

At BlackBay, our commercial lawyers take a proactive approach to protecting your business interests. We understand that prevention is better than cure, and so we focus on identifying and managing potential legal risks before they escalate into serious issues. We offer strategic advice tailored to your specific business needs and objectives, and we work closely with you to implement effective legal strategies and solutions.

Our commercial lawyers can also represent your business in disputes, advocating for your interests and seeking the best possible outcome. Whether it's a dispute with a client, supplier, employee, or another party, we have the skills and experience to handle a wide range of commercial litigation matters.

What are some example cases a Commercial Lawyer at BlackBay would handle?

Commercial lawyers at BlackBay handle a wide range of cases, each unique and requiring a tailored approach. Here are a few examples:

Contract Negotiations and Drafting: A local manufacturing company needed a standard contract for their suppliers. Our team worked closely with them to understand their business operations, supplier relationships, and potential risks. We then drafted a comprehensive supplier contract that protected the company's interests while maintaining positive supplier relationships.

Employment Law Case: A tech startup was facing a wrongful termination lawsuit from a former employee. Our team stepped in, reviewed the details of the case, and developed a strategy for addressing the issue. We helped the startup navigate the legal process, represented them in court, and ultimately reached a settlement that was satisfactory for all parties involved.

Merger and Acquisition: A small business owner wanted to acquire a competitor to expand their market share. Our commercial lawyers conducted due diligence on the target company, reviewed and negotiated the terms of the purchase agreement, and provided guidance throughout the acquisition process. Post-acquisition, we helped with the integration process, ensuring a smooth transition for both entities.

Intellectual Property Protection: A software company needed to protect its proprietary software code. Our team advised on the best course of action, helped the company register copyrights and patents, and drafted non-disclosure agreements for employees and contractors to protect the company's intellectual property.

Dispute Resolution: A retail business was in a dispute with one of its suppliers over the quality of delivered goods. Our commercial lawyers facilitated negotiations between the two parties, aiming for an amicable resolution. When this was not possible, we represented the business in court, ensuring their interests were protected and they received a fair outcome.

Regulatory Compliance: A financial services company needed assistance with navigating complex regulatory requirements. Our team provided comprehensive advice on applicable regulations, helped the company implement compliance measures, and conducted regular reviews to ensure ongoing compliance.

These examples reflect the broad scope of commercial law and the diverse cases we handle at BlackBay. Our commercial lawyers are adept at dealing with complex legal issues and crafting strategies that protect our clients' interests while supporting their business objectives. Whether you're facing a legal dispute, need assistance with a contract, or require guidance on a major business event like a merger or acquisition, our team is here to help.

Our expertise.
Your call.

enquiries@blackbaylawyers.com | (02) 8005 3077

Level 30, 133 Castlereagh St, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia

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Arrange a consultation with the BlackBay Lawyers team.

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Mastering Change: New Australian Employment Laws 2024

The Firm

Our commercial lawyer team combines decades of experience in the legal industry with countless successful outcomes. Together with our leadership, we have built one of the most renowned teams of commercial lawyers in Australia.

Special Counsel

Gosia Klus

Associate

Isabella Orlic

Associate

Julie Mehrdawi

Associate

Yianni van Gelder

Our Approach

Partner with

SPEAK TO A

​

COMMERCIAL LAWYER

BlackBay

Victoria-Jane Otavski

Partner

Greg Leather

Partner

Justin Carroll

Partner

Dragan Gasic

Partner

Commercial Law FAQ

What is commercial law and why is it important for my business?

Our expertise. Your call.

enquiries@blackbaylawyers.com | (02) 8005 3077

Level 30, 133 Castlereagh St, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia

Make an enquiry

Dragan
Gasic

Our expertise.
Your call.