Business Law Services

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đŸ’ŧ Need a Business Lawyer? Here's What You Should Know

Quick Answer:

Business lawyers cost $350-650/hour or $1,500-3,000 for company setup. They handle contracts, compliance, disputes, and transactions. Essential for protecting your business and avoiding costly legal mistakes.

You Need One When:

  • â€ĸ Starting a business or changing structure
  • â€ĸ Drafting contracts or agreements
  • â€ĸ Buying/selling a business
  • â€ĸ Facing disputes or compliance issues
  • â€ĸ Raising capital or bringing in partners

Should You DIY?

High risk. Business mistakes can cost $50,000+ in disputes, fines, or failed transactions. Legal advice upfront prevents expensive problems and optimizes tax/liability structures.

Common Timelines:

  • â€ĸ Company formation: 1-2 weeks
  • â€ĸ Contract drafting: 1-3 weeks
  • â€ĸ Business sale: 6-12 weeks
  • â€ĸ Dispute resolution: 3-12 months

How We Can Help

  • 📝 Company Formation
  • 📋 Business Contracts
  • 🤝 Commercial Agreements
  • âš–ī¸ Business Disputes
  • đŸ’ŧ Business Sales

Why Choose Us

  • ✅ Business Law Specialists
  • 💡 Commercial Experience
  • đŸŽ¯ Practical Solutions
  • 📞 Free Initial Consultation
  • 🤝 Fixed Fee Services

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a business lawyer cost in New Zealand?

Business lawyers charge $350-650 per hour. Company formation costs $1,500-3,000, contract drafting $2,000-8,000, and business transaction support is typically 1-3% of deal value. Many offer free initial consultations.

Do I need a lawyer to start a business in NZ?

While not legally required, a business lawyer helps with optimal structure selection, compliance setup, shareholder agreements, and avoiding costly mistakes. The cost is typically far less than fixing problems later.

What business structure should I choose?

Choice depends on liability protection, tax implications, and growth plans. Options include sole trader (simplest), company (best protection), partnership (shared ownership), or trust (asset protection). Lawyer advice ensures optimal selection.

How long does company registration take in NZ?

Simple company registration takes 1-2 days online. Complex structures with multiple shareholders, trusts, or special provisions can take 1-2 weeks including legal documentation and compliance setup.

Expert Business Law Services in New Zealand

Our network of experienced business lawyers provides comprehensive legal services for businesses of all sizes across New Zealand. Whether you're starting a new business, managing contracts, dealing with commercial disputes, or planning growth strategies, our lawyers deliver practical legal solutions that drive business success. From sole traders to large corporations, we understand the unique challenges facing New Zealand businesses and provide tailored advice to help you navigate complex legal requirements while focusing on your core operations.

Comprehensive Business Services

Our business lawyers offer end-to-end legal support covering all aspects of commercial law. We work closely with business owners, directors, and management teams to provide strategic legal advice that protects your interests and facilitates growth.

Company Formation & Structure

  • Business Structure Selection: Choose the right entity type (company, partnership, sole trader, trust) based on your specific circumstances
  • Company Registration: Complete NZBN registration, Companies Office filings, and compliance setup
  • Constitutional Documents: Draft constitutions, shareholder agreements, and partnership deeds
  • Director & Shareholder Rights: Establish clear governance structures and decision-making processes

Commercial Contracts & Agreements

  • Supply Agreements: Terms of trade, supplier contracts, and distribution agreements
  • Service Agreements: Professional service contracts, consulting agreements, and maintenance contracts
  • Employment Contracts: Executive agreements, employment terms, and contractor arrangements
  • Joint Ventures: Strategic partnerships, collaboration agreements, and profit-sharing arrangements
  • Licensing Agreements: IP licensing, franchise agreements, and technology transfers

Business Transactions

  • Business Sales & Acquisitions: Due diligence, purchase agreements, and transaction structuring
  • Mergers & Restructuring: Corporate reorganizations, amalgamations, and business combinations
  • Asset Purchases: Equipment financing, property acquisitions, and IP purchases
  • Investment Agreements: Capital raising, investor terms, and equity arrangements

Industry Expertise

Our lawyers have extensive experience across diverse industry sectors, providing specialized knowledge that adds value to your business operations:

Technology & Innovation

  • Software licensing and SaaS agreements
  • Intellectual property protection and commercialization
  • Data privacy and cybersecurity compliance
  • Fintech and regulatory technology requirements

Healthcare & Professional Services

  • Professional practice structuring and partnerships
  • Regulatory compliance and professional standards
  • Medical device and pharmaceutical agreements
  • Healthcare privacy and patient rights

Construction & Property Development

  • Construction contracts and project agreements
  • Property development and subdivision
  • Building consents and regulatory approvals
  • Contractor and subcontractor arrangements

Retail & E-commerce

  • Consumer contracts and terms of sale
  • Online business compliance and consumer protection
  • Supply chain agreements and logistics
  • Franchising and retail licensing

Business Dispute Resolution

When business disputes arise, swift and effective resolution is essential to minimize disruption and protect your reputation. Our commercial lawyers provide strategic dispute resolution services including:

  • Contract Disputes: Breach of contract claims, payment disputes, and performance issues
  • Partnership Disputes: Shareholder conflicts, director disputes, and business breakups
  • Employment Disputes: Workplace conflicts, restraint of trade, and unfair dismissal claims
  • Commercial Litigation: Court proceedings, injunctions, and debt recovery
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution: Mediation, arbitration, and negotiated settlements

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

New Zealand businesses face increasingly complex regulatory requirements. Our lawyers help ensure compliance while managing legal risks:

  • Consumer Protection: Fair Trading Act compliance, consumer guarantees, and advertising standards
  • Privacy & Data Protection: Privacy Act compliance, data handling, and breach management
  • Health & Safety: Workplace safety obligations, HSWA compliance, and incident management
  • Environmental Compliance: Resource consent requirements, environmental standards, and sustainability
  • Competition Law: Commerce Act compliance, anti-competitive practices, and market dominance

Business Lawyer Costs & Fees

Understanding legal costs helps you budget effectively for business legal services:

  • Initial Consultation: Many business lawyers offer free 30-minute consultations
  • Hourly Rates: $350-650 per hour for experienced commercial lawyers
  • Fixed-Fee Services: Company formations from $1,500-3,000
  • Contract Drafting: $2,000-8,000 depending on complexity
  • Transaction Support: 1-3% of transaction value for business sales

Business Lawyers by Location

Find experienced commercial law specialists in key business centers:

Commercial Hubs

Growing Markets

Related Business Legal Services

Business law intersects with many specialized areas:

Corporate & Commercial

Regulatory & Compliance

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